U.S. patent application number 12/191230 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for compliantly coupled gauge pad system with movable gauge pads.
This patent application is currently assigned to Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to John M. Cook, Geoffrey C. Downton, Ashley Bernard Johnson.
Application Number | 20100038141 12/191230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40350426 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100038141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Ashley Bernard ; et
al. |
February 18, 2010 |
COMPLIANTLY COUPLED GAUGE PAD SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE GAUGE PADS
Abstract
A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The
drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more
gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters
coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with
chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality
of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled
with the chassis.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Ashley Bernard;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Downton; Geoffrey C.; (Sugar
Land, TX) ; Cook; John M.; (Cambridge, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHLUMBERGER-DOLL RESEARCH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 425045
CAMBRIDGE
MA
02142
US
|
Assignee: |
Schlumberger Technology
Corporation
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
40350426 |
Appl. No.: |
12/191230 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/57 ;
175/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 10/627 20130101;
E21B 17/1092 20130101; E21B 7/064 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/57 ;
175/408 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/00 20060101
E21B007/00; E21B 17/10 20060101 E21B017/10 |
Claims
1. A drill bit system for a drilling assembly, wherein the drill
bit system comprises: a chassis; a head, wherein: the head
comprises a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the
head; and the head is coupled with chassis; and a first set of
gauge pads, wherein the first set of gauge pads comprises one or
more gauge pads movably coupled with the chassis.
2. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 1, further
comprising: a second plurality of cutters coupled with the one or
more gauge pads.
3. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 1, wherein
the head being movably coupled with the chassis comprises a
selection from a group consisting of: the head having a lateral
compliance with the chassis of between about 12 and about 16
kilo-Newtons per millimeter; the head having a lateral compliance
with the chassis of between about 8 and about 12 kilo-Newtons per
millimeter; the head having a lateral compliance with the chassis
of between about 6 and about 8 kilo-Newtons per millimeter; the
head having a lateral compliance with the chassis of between about
4 and about 6 kilo-Newtons per millimeter; and the head having a
lateral compliance with the chassis of less than about 4
kilo-Newtons per millimeter.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 1, wherein
the drill bit system further comprises a second set of gauge pads,
wherein the second set of gauge pads comprises one or more gauge
pads fixedly coupled with the chassis.
7. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 1, wherein
the drill bit system further comprises a second set of gauge pads,
wherein the second set of gauge pads comprises one or more gauge
pads and includes a third plurality of cutters.
8. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 1, wherein
the drill bit system further comprises a second set of gauge pads,
wherein the second set of gauge pads comprises one or more gauge
pads that are movably coupled with the chassis.
9. The drill bit system for a drilling assembly of claim 8,
wherein: the first set of gauge pads being movably coupled with the
chassis comprises the first set of gauge pads having a first rate
of lateral compliance with the chassis; and the second set of gauge
pads being movably coupled with the chassis comprises the second
set of gauge pads having a second rate of lateral compliance with
the chassis.
10-25. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, filed on the same date as the present application,
entitled "COMPLIANTLY COUPLED CUTTING SYSTEM (temporarily
referenced by Attorney Docket No. 57.0865 US NP1), which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, filed on the same date as the present application,
entitled "MOTOR BIT SYSTEM" (temporarily referenced by Attorney
Docket No. 57.0865 US NP2), which is incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Embodiments of this invention relate generally to drilling.
More specifically, but not by way of limitation, systems and
methods are described for controlling and/or harnessing the
vibration of various portions of a drill bit, as well as for
directionally drilling cavities drilled in/through earth
formations.
[0004] Drill bits used for drilling in earthen formations, as well
as other mediums, often have cutters on the head of the drill bit
and ridges on the sides of the drill bit. The ridges on the side of
the bits are often referred to as gauge pads, and may serve to
confine or direct the cutters on the head of the drill bit to a
continued path through the medium related to the path already taken
by the cutters on the head. In some drill bits, cutters may be
placed on all or a portion of the gauge pads.
[0005] Interactions between the gauge pads and the bore wall of the
cavity, which are not intended to be as significant as the
interaction of the cutters on the head of the drill bit with the
cutting face of the borehole, can cause backward whirl. Backward
whirl may cause damage to cutters both close to the center of the
bit, as well as cutters outward from the center.
[0006] Energy wasted by the reaction of the gauge pads with the
bore wall of the cavity is therefore wasteful in two respects.
First, any energy wasted by damaging the cutters on the drill bit
head is energy which is not being applied to maximize drilling
force, and hence speed, through the medium. Second, damage to the
cutters on the drill bit head eventually requires the drill bit to
be replaced, reducing speed and increasing cost of drilling.
[0007] The prior art is therefore deficient in providing a system
for avoiding these harmful forces and/or causing them to only occur
in favorably lateral directions when steering a drill bit during
directional drilling. Embodiments of the present invention provide
solutions to these and other problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a drill bit system for a
drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system may include a
chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head may include a
first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the
head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may
include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge
pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, and a
fourth means. The first means may be for coupling the drill bit
system with the drilling assembly. The second means may be for
drilling longitudinally into a medium. The third means may be for
controlling lateral movement of the second means in the medium. The
fourth means for movably coupling the third means with the second
means.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling
a borehole in a medium is provided. The method may include
providing a drill bit, where the drill bit includes a drill head, a
compliant coupling, and one or more gauge pads. The drill head may
have a first plurality of cutters, the compliant coupling may be
coupled with the drill head, and the one or more gauge pads may be
coupled with the compliant coupling. The method may also include
rotating the drill head against a face of the borehole.
[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head
may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the
head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head
may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the
head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, and a
fourth means. The first means may be for coupling the drill bit
system with the drilling assembly. The second means may be for
drilling longitudinally into a medium. The third means may be for
controlling lateral movement of the second means in the medium. The
fourth means may be for movably coupling the second means with the
first means.
[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, another method of
drilling a borehole in a medium is provided. The method may include
providing a drill bit, where the drill bit may include a drill head
and one or more gauge pads. The method may also include rotating
the drill head at a first rotational speed, and rotating the one or
more gauge pads at a second rotational speed.
[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The
chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first
rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of
cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be
rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be
operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The
chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first
rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of
cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be
rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be
operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, a fourth
means, and a fifth means. The first means may be for coupling the
drill bit system with the drilling assembly. The second means may
be for drilling longitudinally into a medium at a first rotational
speed. The third means may be for controlling lateral movement of
the second means in the medium. The fourth means may be for
rotatably coupling the second means with the first means. The fifth
means may be for rotating the third means at a second rotational
speed.
[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, another method of
drilling a borehole in a medium is provided. The method may include
providing a drill bit. The drill bit may include a drill head
having a first plurality of cutters. The drill bit may also include
a chassis movably coupled with the drill head, and one or more
gauge pads coupled with the chassis. The method may also include
rotating the drill head against a face of the borehole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present invention is described in conjunction with the
appended figures:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the invention having a drill bit which includes a chassis, a head,
and one or more gauge pads coupled with a first sub-chassis having
a compliant subsection;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 1,
except that the first sub-chassis does not have a complaint
subsection, but instead is movably coupled with the chassis;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 1,
except that the drill bit includes a second plurality of gauge pads
coupled with a second sub-chassis fixedly coupled with the chassis,
and the second sub-chassis is detachably coupled with the
chassis;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 3,
except that the sub-chassis which includes the compliant subsection
has changed;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 3,
except that both sub-chassis include a compliant subsection;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention having a drill bit which includes a chassis, a
head, and one or more gauge pads movably coupled with the
chassis;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention having a drill bit which includes a chassis, a
head, and one or more gauge pads movably coupled with a first
sub-chassis fixedly coupled with the chassis;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 7, except that the
drill bit includes a second plurality of gauge pads coupled with a
second sub-chassis fixedly coupled with the chassis;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 7, except that the
drill bit includes a second plurality of gauge pads fixedly coupled
with the chassis;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention having a drill bit which includes a chassis, a
head, and one or more gauge pads fixedly coupled with the chassis,
and an off-set mechanism, where the head is movably coupled with
the chassis, and is movable via actuation of the off-set
mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 10,
except that the one or more gauge pads are movably coupled with the
chassis;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 11, except that the
drill bit includes a second plurality of gauge pads fixedly coupled
with the chassis;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 10, except that the
drill bit includes a joint for pivotally coupling the head with the
chassis;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 13,
except that the one or more gauge pads are movably coupled with the
chassis;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 14, except that the
drill bit includes a second plurality of gauge pads fixedly coupled
with the chassis;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention having a drill bit which includes a chassis, a
head, a bearing, and one or more gauge pads fixedly coupled with
the chassis, where the chassis is configure to be coupled with a
first rotational motion source, and the head is configured to be
coupled with a second rotational motion source;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of another embodiment
of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 16, except that the
drill bit includes a bias system; and
[0037] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of another drill bit
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 16,
except that the bearing includes a bias system.
[0038] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various
components of the same type may be distinguished by following the
reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar
components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference
label is used in the specification, the description is applicable
to any one of the similar components and/or features having the
same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter
suffix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only,
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of
the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art
with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary
embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made
in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from
the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0040] Specific details are given in the following description to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For
example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other elements
in the invention may be shown as components in block diagram form
in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In
other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms,
structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail
in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0041] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be
described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow
diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block
diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a
sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
parallel or concurrently.
[0042] In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged.
A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but
could have additional steps not discussed or included in a figure.
Furthermore, not all operations in any particularly described
process may occur in all embodiments. A process may correspond to a
method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.
When a process corresponds to a function, its termination
corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or
the main function.
[0043] The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but is not
limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage
devices, wireless channels and various other mediums capable of
storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. A code
segment or machine-executable instructions may represent a
procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a
subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any
combination of instructions, data structures, or program
statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment
or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information,
data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information,
arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or
transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing,
message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
[0044] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be
implemented, at least in part, either manually or automatically.
Manual or automatic implementations may be executed, or at least
assisted, through the use of machines, hardware, software,
firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or
any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware,
middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to
perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable
medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, a drill bit system for a
drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system may include a
chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head may include a
first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the
head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may
include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge
pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0046] In some embodiments, the chassis may be constructed from a
metallic compound. In these and other embodiments, any one or more
of the first plurality of cutters may be a polycrystalline diamond
compact ("PDC") cutter. In some embodiments, any one or more of the
second plurality of cutters may also be a PDC cutter. Additionally,
in any of the embodiments discussed herein, any plurality of gauge
pads and/or cutters may also be presumed to also include a single
gauge pad and/or cutter, but pluralities will be referred to as
occurring in many of the embodiments. Furthermore, any of the
embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features discussed
above.
[0047] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may include a
first sub-chassis. In these embodiments, the one or more gauge pads
being movably coupled with the chassis may include the one or more
gauge pads being fixedly coupled with the first sub-chassis, and
the first sub-chassis being movably coupled with the chassis. In
other embodiments with a first sub-chassis, the one or more gauge
pads being movably coupled with the chassis may include the one or
more gauge pads being fixedly coupled with the first sub-chassis,
with the first sub-chassis including a compliant subsection.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may have any
of the features discussed above.
[0048] In other embodiments with a first sub-chassis, the one or
more gauge pads being movably coupled with the chassis may include
the one or more gauge pads being movably coupled with the first
sub-chassis, and the first sub-chassis being movably coupled with
the chassis. In some of these embodiments, the one or more gauge
pads being movably coupled with the first sub-chassis may include
the one or more gauge pads having a first rate of lateral
compliance with the chassis, and the first sub-chassis being
movably coupled with the chassis may include the first sub-chassis
having a second rate of lateral compliance with the chassis.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may have any
of the features discussed above.
[0049] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may include a
first sub-chassis and a second sub-chassis. One or more gauge pads
may be coupled with the first sub-chassis, and a second plurality
of gauge pads, which may comprise a third plurality of cutters, may
be coupled with the second chassis. In various embodiments, each of
the one or more gauge pads and the second plurality of gauge pads
may be fixedly or movably coupled with the corresponding
sub-chassis. Additionally, each of the first sub-chassis and the
second sub-chassis may be fixedly or movable coupled with the
chassis.
[0050] Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may
have any of the features discussed above.
[0051] In some embodiments, any sub-chassis referred to herein may
be detachably coupleable with the chassis, and may include multiple
sub-components. In this manner, sub-chassis may be replaced on a
drill bit system, possibly when the performance of gauge pads
thereon has degraded due to wear. Though such sub-chassis may be
"detachably coupleable" with the chassis, the sub-chassis may be
"fixedly" coupled with the chassis once so coupled, or "moveably"
coupled with the chassis once so coupled, depending on the
particular configuration. Furthermore, any of the embodiments
discussed herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0052] In some embodiments, any plurality of gauge pads or other
element herein being "movably coupled" may refer to the particular
gauge pads or other element having a measure of lateral compliance
with the chassis or other portion of the drill bit system. In other
words, upon a force acting upon the gauge pads, the gauge pads may
move, at least partially laterally, rather than rigidly
transferring the force to another coupled-with portion of the drill
bit system or drilling assembly. "Lateral" may refer to a direction
substantially orthogonal to and/or in any direction that is away
from and not parallel with a longitudinal direction that is
substantially co-linear with the axis of the drill bit system.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may have any
of the features discussed above.
[0053] In some embodiments, a lateral compliance for any movable
element discussed herein may be between about 1 kilo-Newton per
millimeter and about 16 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. In other
embodiments, a lateral compliance for any movable element discussed
herein may be between about 2 kilo-Newtons per millimeter and about
8 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, a
lateral compliance for any movable element discussed herein may be
between 4 and 6 kilo-Newtons per millimeter In yet other
embodiments, a lateral compliance for any movable element discussed
herein may be about 4 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. In some
embodiments, a lateral compliance for any movable element discussed
herein may be less than about 16 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. In
other embodiments, a lateral compliance for any movable element
discussed herein may be less than about 8 kilo-Newtons per
millimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, a lateral compliance for
any movable element discussed herein may be less than 6
kilo-Newtons per millimeter In other embodiments, a lateral
compliance for any movable element discussed herein may be less
than about 4 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. In yet other embodiments,
a lateral compliance for any movable element discussed herein may
be less than about 2 or even 1 kilo-Newtons per millimeter. Merely
by way of example, a 4 kilo-Newton per millimeter compliance means
that for about every 4 kilo-Newtons of force applied to a movable
element, that element may move about 1 millimeter with reference to
some other element. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed
herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0054] In some embodiments, directionally controlling the absolute
lateral directional compliance of gauge pads in various embodiments
of the invention while drilling may allow for directional drilling
in an absolute lateral direction related to the controlled absolute
lateral direction. In some embodiments, a side-tracking of between
1 and 10 millimeters per meter drilled may be realized. In an
exemplary embodiment, a side-tracking of greater than 10
millimeters per meter drilled may be realized. Furthermore, any of
the embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features
discussed above.
[0055] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may include a
second plurality of gauge pads. In these embodiments, the second
plurality of gauge pads may include a third plurality of cutters,
and may be fixedly coupled with the chassis. Furthermore, any of
the embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features
discussed above.
[0056] In other embodiments, where the drill bit system includes a
second plurality of gauge pads, the second plurality of gauge pads
may be movably coupled with the chassis. In some of these
embodiments, the one or more gauge pads may have a first rate of
lateral compliance with the chassis, while the second plurality of
gauge pads may have a second, different rate of lateral compliance
with the chassis. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed
herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0057] In other embodiments, where the drill bit system includes a
second plurality of gauge pads, the second plurality of gauge pads
may be movably coupled with the chassis. In some of these
embodiments, the one or more gauge pads may have a first rate of
lateral compliance with the chassis, while the second plurality of
gauge pads may have a second, different rate of lateral compliance
with the chassis. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed
herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0058] Merely, by way of example, in some embodiments, gauge pads
closer to the head of the drill bit system may have a higher rate
of lateral compliance with the chassis than gauge pads farther away
from the head of the drill bit system. In other embodiments, the
reverse may be true, with gauge pads closer to the head of the
drill bit system having a lower rate of lateral compliance with the
chassis than gauge pads farther away from the head of the drill bit
system. And as discussed above, even though plurality of gauge pads
are referred to, in some embodiments, individual gauge pads within
any plurality of gauge pads may be independently movably coupled
and have differing rates of lateral compliance. Furthermore, any of
the embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features
discussed above.
[0059] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, and a
fourth means.
[0060] In some embodiments, the first means may be for coupling the
drill bit system with the drilling assembly. Merely by way of
example, the first means may include a chassis or any other
component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or
in the future, for coupling the drill bit system with the drilling
assembly.
[0061] In some embodiments, the second means may be for drilling
longitudinally into a medium. Merely by way of example, the second
means may include a head or any other component discussed herein,
or otherwise known in the art, now or in the future, for drilling
longitudinally into a medium.
[0062] In some embodiments, the third means may be for controlling
lateral movement of the second means in the medium. Merely by way
of example, the third means may include one or more gauge pads or
any other component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the
art, now or in the future, for controlling lateral movement of the
second means in the medium. Further by way of example, the third
means may include one or more gauge pads movably or fixedly coupled
with the second means.
[0063] In some embodiments, the fourth means for movably coupling
the third means with the second means. Merely by way of example,
the fourth means may include a compliant coupling between the third
means and the second means or any other component discussed herein,
or otherwise known in the art, now or in the future, for coupling
the third means with the second means.
[0064] In some embodiment the drill bit system may further include
a fifth means for controlling lateral movement of the second means
in the medium. Merely by way of example, the fifth means may
include a steerable bit system coupled with the second means or any
other component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art,
now or in the future, for controlling lateral movement of the
second means in the medium.
[0065] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head
may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the
head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.
[0066] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include
an off-set mechanism configured to move the head relative to the
chassis. In some of these embodiments, the off-set mechanism may be
configured to move the head relative to the chassis in a
substantially constant lateral direction while the drill bit system
rotates about its axis. In some embodiments, the off-set mechanism
may include, merely by way of example, a cam system, a hydraulic
actuator system, a drilling fluid (mud) powered actuator system, a
piezo-electric actuator system, an electro Theological actuator
system, a magneto Theological actuator system, and electro active
polymer actuator system, and/or a ball screw actuator system. In
some embodiments, the off-set mechanism may be configured to
provide a displacement of up to about 0.1 millimeters. In other
embodiments, the off-set mechanism may be configured to provide a
displacement of up to about 0.2 millimeters. Furthermore, any of
the embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features
discussed above.
[0067] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
flexible coupling. In some of these embodiments, the head being
movably coupled with the chassis may include the head being coupled
with the flexible coupling, and the flexible coupling being coupled
with the chassis. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed
herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0068] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
joint for pivotally coupling the head with the chassis. Merely by
way of example, the joint may be a universal joint configured to
allow for a wide degree of freedom of movement for the head.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may have any
of the features discussed above.
[0069] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head
may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the
head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0070] In these embodiments, features discussed above related to
sub-chassis, movably and fixedly coupled, and/or pluralities of
gauge pads, movably and/or fixedly coupled, may be included, either
in-whole or in-part. These embodiments may also include off-set
mechanisms, flexible couplings, and/or joints as discussed
above.
[0071] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, and a
fourth means.
[0072] In some embodiments, the first means may be for coupling the
drill bit system with the drilling assembly. Merely by way of
example, the first means may include a chassis or any other
component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or
in the future, for coupling the drill bit system with the drilling
assembly.
[0073] In some embodiments, the second means may be for drilling
longitudinally into a medium. Merely by way of example, the second
means may include a head or any other component discussed herein,
or otherwise known in the art, now or in the future, for drilling
longitudinally into a medium.
[0074] In some embodiments, the third means may be for controlling
lateral movement of the second means in the medium. Merely by way
of example, the third means may include one or more gauge pads or
any other component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the
art, now or in the future, for controlling lateral movement of the
second means in the medium. Further by way of example, the third
means may include one or more gauge pads movably or fixedly coupled
with the second means.
[0075] In some embodiments, the fourth means may be for movably
coupling the second means with the first means. Merely by way of
example, the fourth means may include a compliant coupling between
the second means and the first means or any other component
discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or in the
future, for movably coupling the second means with the first
means.
[0076] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
fifth means for controlling lateral movement of the second means in
the medium. Merely by way of example, the fifth means may include
an off-set mechanism configured to move the second means relative
to the first means or any other component discussed herein, or
otherwise known in the art, now or in the future, for controlling
lateral movement of the second means in the medium.
[0077] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The
chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first
rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of
cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be
rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be
operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.
[0078] In some embodiments, the first rotational motion source may
include an above-ground rotational motion source such as a topdrive
system or a rotary table system. In these and other embodiments,
the second rotational motion source may include a mud motor located
in a bottom hole assembly. Furthermore, any of the embodiments
discussed herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0079] In some embodiments, the first rotational motion source may
have a first rotational speed, and the second rotational motion
source may have a second rotation speed. In other embodiments, the
first rotational motion source and the second rotational motion
source may have the same speed. In some embodiments, each of the
first rotational speed and the second rotational speed may be
either fixed or variable, discretely variable, and/or continuously
variable. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may
have any of the features discussed above.
[0080] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
bias system configured to transfer a vibration of the head to the
chassis in substantially one direction. In some of these
embodiments, the bias system may also be configured to transfer the
vibration of the head in a substantially constant lateral direction
while the head rotates about its axis. In some embodiments, merely
by way of example, the bias system may include a cam system, a
hydraulic actuator system, a drilling fluid (mud) powered actuator
system, a piezo-electric actuator system, an electro rheological
actuator system, a magneto rheological actuator system, and electro
active polymer actuator system, and/or a ball screw actuator
system. In some embodiments, the bias system may be configured to
provide a displacement of up to about 0.1 millimeters. In other
embodiments, the bias system may be configured to provide a
displacement of up to about 0.2 millimeters. Furthermore, any of
the embodiments discussed herein may have any of the features
discussed above.
[0081] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
bearing. In some of these embodiments, the head being rotatably
coupled with the chassis may include the h head being operably
coupled with the bearing, and the bearing being operably coupled
with the chassis. Bearing is understood, as is known in the art, to
include bushings and other means for rotatably coupling two
components and allowing for smooth rotational motion between the
two components. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed
herein may have any of the features discussed above.
[0082] In some of the embodiments which include a bearing, the
bearing may include a bias system configured to transfer a
vibration of the head to the chassis in substantially one
direction. In these embodiments, the bias system may be configures
to transfer the vibration of the head in a substantially constant
lateral direction while the head rotates about its axis.
Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussed herein may have any
of the features discussed above.
[0083] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system
may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The
chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first
rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of
cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be
rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be
operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The one or
more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the
one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
[0084] In these embodiments, features discussed above related to
sub-chassis, movably and fixedly coupled, and/or pluralities of
gauge pads, movably and/or fixedly coupled, may be included, either
in-whole or in-part. These embodiments may also include bias
systems and/or bearings as discussed above.
[0085] In another embodiment of the invention, another drill bit
system for a drilling assembly is provided. The drill bit system
may include a first means, a second means, a third means, a fourth
means, and a fifth means.
[0086] In some embodiments, the first means may be for coupling the
drill bit system with the drilling assembly. Merely by way of
example, the first means may include a chassis or any other
component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or
in the future, for coupling the drill bit system with the drilling
assembly.
[0087] In some embodiments, the second means may be for drilling
longitudinally into a medium at a first rotational speed. Merely by
way of example, the second means may include a head or any other
component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or
in the future, for drilling longitudinally into a medium at a first
rotational speed.
[0088] In some embodiments, the third means may be for controlling
lateral movement of the second means in the medium. Merely by way
of example, the third means may include one or more gauge pads or
any other component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the
art, now or in the future, for controlling lateral movement of the
second means in the medium.
[0089] In some embodiments, the fourth means may be for rotatably
coupling the second means with the first means. Merely by way of
example, the fourth means may include a bearing or any other
component discussed herein, or otherwise known in the art, now or
in the future, for rotatably coupling the second means with the
first means.
[0090] In some embodiments, the fifth means may be for rotating the
third means at a second rotational speed. Merely by way of example,
the fifth means may include the first means, and the first means
may include a rotatable chassis. Additionally, the fifth means may
include any other component discussed herein, or otherwise known in
the art, now or in the future, for rotating the third means at a
second rotational speed.
[0091] In some embodiments, the drill bit system may also include a
sixth means for transferring lateral vibration of the second means
to the third means. Merely by way of example, the sixth means may
include a bias system or any other component discussed herein, or
otherwise known in the art, now or in the future, for transferring
lateral vibration of the second means to the third means.
[0092] Turning now to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of one
embodiment of the invention having a drill bit 100 which includes a
chassis 105, a head 110, and one or more gauge pads 115 coupled
with a first sub-chassis 120 having a compliant subsection 125 is
shown.
[0093] Chassis 105 includes a threaded pin 130 for coupling drill
bit 100 with a bottom hole assembly or other drilling assembly.
Chassis 105 and head 110 also have drilling fluid passages 135
defined therein. Head 110 includes a first plurality of cutters
140. First plurality of gauge pads 115 may include a second
plurality of cutters 145.
[0094] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first sub-chassis 120 has
a compliant subsection 125, and is fixedly coupled with chassis
105. Compliant subsection 125 allows first plurality of gauge pads
115 to have a certain amount of compliance relative to chassis 105
and head 1 10. Thus, as drill bit 100 rotates through a medium, a
force acting on first plurality of gauge pads 115 may cause at
least a portion first plurality of gauge pads 115 to deflect inward
toward the chassis. This will cause more force from the interaction
of drill bit 100 and the medium to be applied to first plurality of
cutters 140 on head 110, rather than on first plurality of gauge
pads 115.
[0095] In FIG. 1, the one or more gauge pads 115 are depicted as
hemispherical shapes, however, in some embodiments of the present
invention, the gauge pads may comprise any shape, including a
single solid ridge, a protrusion, a cylinder, a disc and or the
like--as depicted by an extending gauge pad 115A in FIG. 1--that
may extend outward from the sub-chassis 120. Where the one or more
gauge pads 115 comprise a single gauge pad the gauge pad may
comprise a ridge, a protrusion, a lateral extension of the
sub-chassis 120, a shaped portion of the sub-chassis 120, a
cylinder, a disc and/or the like extending laterally from the
sub-chassis 120. In some embodiments, the first sub-chassis 120 may
comprise a plurality of sub-chasses coupled with the chassis 105
with each of the plurality of sub-chasses in turn being coupled
with one or more gauge pads. In such embodiments, there may be a
plurality of compliant elements or the like coupled with the
plurality of the sub-chasses. In some embodiments of the present
invention, one or more of the one or more gauge pads 115 may be
configured to engage a sidewall of a borehole being drilled by the
drilling system of FIG. 1 during a drilling process.
[0096] In some aspects of the present invention, one or more of the
one or more gauge pads 115 may extend laterally to the gauge of the
drill bit 100. In some aspects, one or more of the one or more
gauge pads 115 may extend from the first sub-chassis 120 to less
than the gauge of the drill bit 100. In some of the previous
aspects of the present invention, one or more of the one or more
gauge pads may extend to a range of less than 1-10 millimeters of
the gauge of the drill bit 100. In some aspects, one or more of the
one or more gauge pads 115 may extend beyond the gauge of the drill
bit 100. In some of the previous aspects of the present invention,
one or more of the one or more gauge pads may extend beyond the
gauge of the drill bit by between 1 to 10 millimeters and in other
aspects by more than 10 millimeters.
[0097] In this and all other embodiments discussed herein, the
physical characteristics of the material employed for a given
sub-chassis (for example, Young's modulus of elasticity), as well
as the cantilever construction/coupling of the sub-chassis' may
also provide a certain amount of compliance for one or more gauge
pads. However, in other embodiments, fixedly coupled sub-chassis
may also be rigid and non-compliant.
[0098] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of another drill bit
200 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 1,
except that first sub-chassis 205 does not have a complaint
subsection, but instead is movably coupled with chassis 105 via
compliant coupling 210. Compliant coupling 210 may provide at least
a similar amount of compliant relative to chassis 105 and head 110
for first plurality of gauge pads 115 as in FIG. 1.
[0099] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of another drill bit
300 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 1,
except that drill bit 300 includes a second plurality of gauge pads
305 coupled with a second sub-chassis 310 fixedly coupled with
chassis 105, and second sub-chassis 310 is detachably coupled with
chassis 105.
[0100] The one or more gauge pads 315 may still include a second
plurality of cutters 320. Meanwhile, second plurality of gauge pads
305 may include a third plurality of cutters 325. First plurality
of gauge pads 315 are still coupled with a first sub-chassis 330,
which includes compliant subsection 125.
[0101] Second sub-chassis 310 is coupled with chassis 105 via
detachable coupling mechanism 335, exemplarily shown here as a
countersunk screw coupling. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is an
example of how a sub-chassis may be fixedly coupled with chassis
105, but may also be "detachably coupled." Second sub-chassis 310
may be comprised of multiple subcomponents to allow for second
sub-chassis to be detachably coupled with chassis 105.
[0102] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of another drill bit
400 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 3,
except that the sub-chassis which includes compliant subsection 125
has changed. In this embodiment, first sub-chassis 405 is fixedly
and undetachably coupled with chassis 105, while second sub-chassis
410 is fixedly and detachably coupled with chassis 105 via
detachable coupling mechanism 335.
[0103] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of another drill bit
500 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 3,
except that both sub-chassis include a compliant subsection 125.
Both first sub-chassis 330 and second sub-chassis 505 include a
compliant subsection 125. Likewise second sub-chassis remains
detachably coupled with chassis 105 via detachable coupling
mechanism 335.
[0104] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention having a drill bit 600 which includes a
chassis 105, a head 110, and one or more gauge pads 115 movably
coupled with chassis 105. In this embodiment, a compliant medium
605 provides the lateral compliance for first plurality of gauge
pads 115.
[0105] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention having a drill bit 700 which includes a
chassis 105, a head 110, and one or more gauge pads 115 movably
coupled with a first sub-chassis 705 which is fixedly coupled with
chassis 105. In this embodiment, compliant medium 605, as well as
possibly the physical properties and cantilever nature of first
sub-chassis 705 may provide the lateral compliance for first
plurality of gauge pads 115.
[0106] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 7,
except that the drill bit 800 includes a second plurality of gauge
pads 805 coupled with a second sub-chassis 810 fixedly coupled with
the chassis 105. Second plurality of gauge pads 805 may include a
third plurality of cutters 815, while first plurality of gauge pads
820 may include a second plurality of cutters 825.
[0107] First plurality of gauge pads 820 are coupled with chassis
105 via fixedly coupled first sub-chassis 830 and compliant medium
835. In this embodiment, compliant medium 835, as well as possibly
the physical properties and cantilever nature of first sub-chassis
830 may provide the lateral compliance for first plurality of gauge
pads 820.
[0108] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 7,
except that the drill bit 900 has second plurality of gauge pads
805 fixedly coupled with chassis 105. In this embodiment, any
lateral compliance provided by second sub-chassis 810 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8 may be reduced and/or eliminated.
[0109] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention having a drill bit 1000 which includes
a chassis 105, a head 110, and one or more gauge pads 115 fixedly
coupled with chassis 105, and an off-set mechanism 1005, where head
110 is movably coupled with the chassis via flexible coupling 1010,
and is movable via actuation of off-set mechanism 1005. Selective
and/or progressive activation of off-set mechanism 1005 during
specific discrete points or ranges of rotation of drill bit 1000
may allow drill bit 1000 to be steered through the medium and
create curved direction cavities.
[0110] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of another drill
bit 1100 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG.
10, except that first plurality of gauge pads 115 are movably
coupled with chassis 105 via compliant medium 605.
[0111] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 11,
except that the drill bit 1200 includes a second plurality of gauge
pads 805 fixedly coupled with chassis 105.
[0112] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 10,
except that the drill bit 1300 includes a joint 1305 for pivotally
coupling head 110 with chassis 105 to account for actuation of
off-set mechanism 1305. Embodiments such as those shown in FIG. 13
allow for angular rotation of head 110 instead of parallel
offsetting the axis of head 110 as would occur in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 10.
[0113] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of another drill
bit 1400 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG.
13, except that first plurality of gauge pads 115 are movably
coupled with chassis 105 via compliant medium 605.
[0114] FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 14,
except that the drill bit 1500 includes a second plurality of gauge
pads 805 fixedly coupled with chassis 105.
[0115] FIG. 16 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention having a drill bit 1600 which includes
a chassis 105, a head 110, a bearing 1605, and one or more gauge
pads fixedly coupled with the chassis 115, where chassis 105 is
configure to be coupled with a first rotational motion source, and
head 110 is configured to be coupled with a second rotational
motion source via coupling point 1610. Coupling point 1610 allows a
fluidic connection to be maintained to drilling fluid passages 135.
Embodiments having the features shown in FIG. 16 may allow for
selectively different and/or similar rotational speeds to be
applied to first plurality of gauge pads 115 and head 110.
[0116] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 16,
except that the drill bit 1700 includes a bias system 1705. Bias
system may allow vibration and/or other forces to be transferred,
selectively, from head 110 to chassis and hence first plurality of
gauge pads 115. Selective and/or progressive activation of bias
system 1705 during specific discrete points or ranges of rotation
of head 110 and chassis 105 may allow drill bit 1700 to be steered
through the medium and create curved direction cavities.
[0117] FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of another drill
bit 1800 embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in FIG.
16, except that the bearing 1805 includes a bias system 1810
internal to its operation. Bias system 1810 may still be
controllable as in FIG. 17.
[0118] The invention has now been described in detail for the
purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be
appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *