U.S. patent application number 16/139618 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for configurable ovoid units including adjustable ovoids, earth-boring tools including the same, and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC. Invention is credited to Ebitimitula Etebu, Steven W. Webb.
Application Number | 20200095831 16/139618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69885352 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200095831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Etebu; Ebitimitula ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
CONFIGURABLE OVOID UNITS INCLUDING ADJUSTABLE OVOIDS, EARTH-BORING
TOOLS INCLUDING THE SAME, AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Configurable ovoid units, earth-boring tools including
configurable ovoid units, and related methods are disclosed. An
earth-boring tool may include a body including at least one blade.
The earth-boring tool may further include a cutting element secured
to the at least one blade and including at least one sensor
configured to sense at least one condition of the cutting element.
Moreover, the earth-boring tool may include at least one
configurable ovoid unit disposed at least partially within the at
least one blade and comprising an adjustable ovoid head.
Additionally, the earth-boring tool may include a control module
disposed within the earth-boring drilling tool. The control module
may be configured to receive sensor data from the at least one
sensor, and to convey at least one signal to the at least one ovoid
unit for configuring the at least one ovoid unit in response to the
sensor data.
Inventors: |
Etebu; Ebitimitula; (Spring,
TX) ; Webb; Steven W.; (The Woodlands, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69885352 |
Appl. No.: |
16/139618 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/017 20200501;
E21B 10/43 20130101; E21B 10/633 20130101; E21B 10/20 20130101;
E21B 10/627 20130101; E21B 47/07 20200501; E21B 47/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 10/633 20060101
E21B010/633; E21B 10/20 20060101 E21B010/20 |
Claims
1. An earth-boring tool, comprising: a body including at least one
blade; a cutting element secured to the at least one blade and
including at least one sensor configured to sense at least one
condition of the cutting element; at least one configurable ovoid
unit disposed at least partially within the at least one blade and
comprising an adjustable ovoid head; and a control module disposed
within the earth-boring tool and configured to: receive sensor data
from the at least one sensor of the cutting element; and convey at
least one signal to the at least one ovoid unit for configuring the
at least one ovoid unit in response to the sensor data.
2. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensor comprises at least one temperature sensor for sensing a
temperature of the cutting element.
3. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the adjustable ovoid
head is configured to extend from the at least one blade in a first
direction, wherein the adjustable ovoid head is further configured
to retract in a second, opposite direction in response to one or
more conditions.
4. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the body includes at
least one port for receiving at least one wire, the at least one
wire coupling the control module to at least one of the cutting
element and the at least one configurable ovoid unit.
5. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one
configurable ovoid unit further comprises an actuator configured to
generate an axial extension motion in response to the at least one
signal.
6. The earth-boring tool of claim 5, wherein the at least one
configurable ovoid unit further comprises a valve configured to
close in response to the axial extension motion.
7. The earth-boring tool of claim 6, wherein the at least one
configurable ovoid unit further comprises a restrictor configured
to receive flow in response to the valve being in an open
position.
8. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one
configurable ovoid unit comprises a replaceable, configurable ovoid
unit.
9. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the body includes at
least one internal chamber for receiving at least one wire, the at
least one wire coupling the control module to at least one of the
cutting element and the at least one configurable ovoid unit.
10. An ovoid unit, comprising: an actuator configured to receive a
signal; a valve coupled to the actuator and configured to be in one
of a first state and a second, different state based on the
actuator; and an adjustable ovoid head coupled to the actuator and
configured to be in a retractable configuration in response to the
valve being in the first state and a non-retractable configuration
in response to the valve being in the second, different state.
11. The ovoid unit of claim 10, wherein the adjustable ovoid head
may retract in response to an external force applied thereto while
in the retractable configuration.
12. The ovoid unit of claim 10, wherein the valve is configured to
be in the second, different state in response to the actuator
receiving the signal.
13. The ovoid unit of claim 12, wherein the second, different state
is a closed state and the first state is an open state.
14. A method of operating an earth-boring tool, the method
comprising: sensing at least one condition of a cutting element
secured to at least one blade of an earth-boring tool; and
adjusting, based on the at least one sensed condition, a
configuration of at least one configurable ovoid unit at least
partially disposed within the at least one blade.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein sensing the at least one
condition comprises sensing a temperature of the cutting
element.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the configuration of
the at least one configurable ovoid unit comprises configuring the
ovoid unit to be in a non-retractable configuration in response to
the temperature being greater than a temperature threshold.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the adjusting the configuration
of the at least one configurable ovoid unit comprises one of
opening a valve of the at least one configurable ovoid unit and
closing the valve of the at least one configurable ovoid unit.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising comparing the at
least one sensed condition to one or more threshold conditions.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the comparing the at least one
sensed condition to the one or more threshold conditions comprises
comparing at least one sensed temperature to one or more
temperature thresholds.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the adjusting the configuration
of the at least one configurable ovoid unit comprises: transmitting
a signal to the at least one configurable ovoid unit to configure
the ovoid unit in a non-retractable configuration in response to
the temperature being greater than a first temperature threshold of
the one or more temperature thresholds; and ceasing transmission of
the signal to the at least one configurable ovoid unit to configure
the ovoid unit in a retractable configuration in response to the
temperature being less than a second temperature threshold of the
one or more temperature thresholds.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to configurable
ovoid units, earth-boring tools, and related methods of drilling.
More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
configurable ovoid units including an adjustable ovoid, to
earth-boring tools including one or more configurable ovoid units,
and to related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The oil and gas industry expends sizable sums to design
cutting tools, such as downhole drill bits including roller cone
rock bits and fixed-cutter bits. Such drill bits may have
relatively long service lives with relatively infrequent failure.
In particular, considerable sums are expended to design and
manufacture roller cone rock bits and fixed-cutter bits in a manner
that minimizes the probability of catastrophic drill bit failure
during drilling operations. The loss of a roller cone or a
polycrystalline diamond compact from a bit during drilling
operations can impede the drilling operations and, at worst,
necessitate rather expensive fishing operations.
[0003] Diagnostic information related to a drill bit and certain
components of the drill bit is valuable and may be linked to the
durability, performance, and the potential failure of the drill
bit. Characteristic information regarding the rock formation is
also valuable and may be used to estimate performance and other
features related to drilling operations.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure include an
earth-boring tool. The earth-boring tool may include a body
including at least one blade. The earth-boring tool may further
include a cutting element secured to the at least one blade and
including at least one sensor configured to sense at least one
condition of the cutting element. Moreover, the earth-boring tool
may include at least one configurable ovoid unit disposed at least
partially within the at least one blade. The at least one
configurable ovoid unit may include an adjustable ovoid head.
Additionally, the earth-boring tool may include a control module
disposed within the earth-boring tool. The control module may be
configured to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor of
the cutting element. Further, the control module may be configured
to convey at least one signal to the at least one ovoid unit for
configuring the at least one ovoid unit in response to the sensor
data.
[0005] Another embodiment includes an ovoid unit. The ovoid unit
may include an actuator configured to receive a signal. The ovoid
unit may further include a valve coupled to the actuator and
configured to be in one of a first state and a second, different
state based on the actuator. The ovoid unit may further include an
adjustable ovoid head coupled to the actuator. The ovoid head may
be configured to be in a retractable configuration in response to
the valve being in the first state. Further, the ovoid head may be
configured to be in a non-retractable configuration in response to
the valve being in the second, different state.
[0006] Another embodiment includes a method of operating an
earth-boring tool. The method may include sensing at least one
condition of a cutting element secured to at least one blade of an
earth-boring tool. The method may further include adjusting, based
on the at least one sensed condition, a configuration of at least
one configurable ovoid unit at least partially disposed within the
at least one blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example wellbore system
including a drill string that includes an earth-boring tool,
according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example earth-boring
tool, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example cutting element,
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example earth-boring
tool including a configurable ovoid unit, in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an example earth-boring tool including at
least one port, according to one or more embodiments of the
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an example earth-boring tool
including internal chambers, according to one or more embodiments
of the disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 7A-7C are cross-sectional side views of an example
configurable ovoid unit, in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting an example method of
operating an earth-boring tool, according to various embodiments of
the disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example control module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of
any drill bit, roller cutter, ovoid unit, ovoid, or any component
thereof, but are merely idealized representations, which are
employed to describe embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] As used herein, the terms "bit" and "earth-boring tool" each
mean and include earth-boring tools for forming, enlarging, or
forming and enlarging a borehole. Non-limiting examples of bits
include fixed cutter (drag) bits, fixed cutter coring bits, fixed
cutter eccentric bits, fixed cutter bi-center bits, fixed cutter
reamers, expandable reamers with blades bearing fixed cutters, and
hybrid bits including both fixed cutters and rotatable cutting
structures (roller cones).
[0018] As used herein, the term "cutting structure" means and
include any element that is configured for use on an earth-boring
tool and for removing formation material from the formation within
a wellbore during operation of the earth-boring tool. As
non-limiting examples, cutting structures include rotatable cutting
structures, commonly referred to in the art as "roller cones" or
"rolling cones."
[0019] As used herein, the term "cutting elements" means and
includes, for example, superabrasive (e.g., polycrystalline diamond
compact or "PDC") cutting elements employed as fixed cutting
elements, as well as tungsten carbide inserts and superabrasive
inserts employed as cutting elements mounted to rotatable cutting
structures, such as roller cones. Additionally, in regard to
rotatable cutting structures, the term "cutting elements" includes
both milled teeth and/or PDC cutting elements. Moreover, the term
"cutting elements" includes tungsten carbide inserts.
[0020] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0021] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material,
structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is
contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the
disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more
restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other
compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in
combination therewith should or must be excluded.
[0022] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first,"
"second," "top," "bottom," etc., is used for clarity and
convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying
drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference
or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For
example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of an
earth-boring tool when disposed within a borehole in a conventional
manner. Furthermore, these terms may refer to an orientation of
elements of an earth-boring tool as illustrated in the
drawings.
[0023] As used in the present disclosure, the terms "module" or
"component" may refer to specific hardware implementations
configured to perform the actions of the module or component and/or
software objects or software routines that may be stored on and/or
executed by general purpose hardware (e.g., computer-readable
media, processing devices, etc.) of the computing system. In some
embodiments, the different components, modules, engines, and
services described in the present disclosure may be implemented as
objects or processes that execute on the computing system (e.g., as
separate threads). While some of the system and methods described
in the present disclosure are generally described as being
implemented in software (stored on and/or executed by general
purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or a
combination of software and specific hardware implementations are
also possible and contemplated.
[0024] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a
given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the
meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of
error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well
as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).
[0025] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a
given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a
degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given
parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of
variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For
example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least
about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or even at least about 99%
met.
[0026] As used herein the term "aggressiveness" when used in
reference to a cutting element or ovoid of a bit or the bit itself
means and includes a ratio of torque on bit (TOB) to weight on bit
(WOB) at a specific depth of cut (DOC) as measured in inches per
bit revolution.
[0027] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to configurable
ovoid units including an adjustable ovoid. More specifically, for
example, an ovoid unit may be configured such that an ovoid of the
ovoid unit may locked in a default position (e.g., the ovoid is in
a non-retractable configuration). Stated another way, in a
non-retractable configuration, movement of the ovoid (e.g., from a
default position) may be restricted and possibly prevented.
Further, in another example, the ovoid unit may be configured such
that the adjustable ovoid may be retractable (e.g., the ovoid is in
a retractable configuration). Stated another way, in a retractable
configuration, the ovoid may retract from a default position (e.g.,
in response to one or more conditions (e.g., an external force
applied to the ovoid)). As described more fully below, in some
embodiments, the default position may be an extended position.
According to some embodiments, a configurable ovoid unit, which may
include electro-hydro mechanical system, may be disposed within an
earth-boring tool.
[0028] Further, various embodiments of the disclosure relate to
earth-boring tools, which may be configured to adjust a depth of
cut based on at least one condition (e.g., temperature) of a
cutting element of the earth-boring tool. For example, an
earth-boring tool may include one or more configurable ovoid units.
The earth-boring tool may further include at least one cutting
element that includes at least one sensor for sensing a condition
of the cutting element. The earth-boring tool may further include a
control module operatively coupled to each of the one or more
configurable ovoid units and the at least one cutting element. In
at least some embodiments, based on at least one sensed condition
at the at least one cutting element (e.g., a temperature at the at
least one cutting element), a configuration of the one or more
configurable ovoid units may be adjusted. In these and other
embodiments, the control module, the one or more ovoid units, and
the at least one cutting element may be part of a closed loop
system configured adjust a depth of cut based on at least one
condition of the at least one cutting element of the earth-boring
tool.
[0029] In one specific embodiment, during operation of an
earth-boring tool including at a control module, a least one
configurable ovoid unit, and a cutting element, a sensor of a
cutting element may sense a temperature at the cutting element.
Information related to the sensed temperature may be transmitted to
the control module. Further, based on the sensed temperature, the
control module may or may not send a signal to the configurable
ovoid unit. Based on the signal, or the lack thereof, the ovoid
unit may be configured in one of a number of configurations. For
example, if the sensed temperature is below a first threshold
temperature, the ovoid unit may be configured (e.g., via a received
signal, or lack thereof) such that the ovoid may retract (e.g.,
away from a subterranean formation) in response to an external
force applied to the ovoid (e.g., by the subterranean formation).
Further, for example, if the sensed temperature is greater than a
second threshold temperature, the ovoid unit may be configured
(e.g., via a received signal, or lack thereof) such that the ovoid
may not retract (e.g., away from the subterranean formation), even
if an external force is applied to the ovoid.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling
system 100 that may utilize the apparatuses and methods disclosed
herein for drilling boreholes. FIG. 1 shows a borehole 102 that
includes an upper section 104 with a casing 106 installed therein
and a lower section 108 that is being drilled with a drill string
110. Drill string 110 may include a tubular member 112 that carries
a drilling assembly 114 at its bottom end. Tubular member 112 may
be made up by joining drill pipe sections or it may be a string of
coiled tubing. A drill bit 116 may be attached to the bottom end of
drilling assembly 114 for drilling borehole 102 of a selected
diameter in a formation 118.
[0031] Drill string 110 may extend to a rig 120 at a surface 122.
Rig 120 is shown as a land rig for ease of explanation. However,
the apparatuses and methods disclosed equally apply when an
offshore rig is used for drilling boreholes under water. A rotary
table 124 or a top drive may be coupled to drill string 110 and may
be utilized to rotate drill string 110 and to rotate drilling
assembly 114, and thus drill bit 116 to drill borehole 102. A
drilling motor 126 may be provided in drilling assembly 114 to
rotate drill bit 116. Drilling motor 126 may be used alone to
rotate drill bit 116 or to superimpose the rotation of drill bit
116 by drill string 110. Rig 120 may also include conventional
equipment, such as a mechanism to add additional sections to
tubular member 112 as borehole 102 is drilled. A surface control
unit 128, which may be a computer-based unit, may be placed at
surface 122 for receiving and processing downhole data transmitted
by sensors in drill bit 116 and sensors in drilling assembly 114,
and for controlling selected operations of the various devices and
sensors 140 in drilling assembly 114.
[0032] In some embodiments, surface control unit 128 may include a
processor 130 and a data storage device 132 (or a computer-readable
medium) for storing data, algorithms, and computer programs 134.
Data storage device 132 may be any suitable device, including, but
not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory
(RAM), a flash memory, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, and an optical
disk. During drilling, a drilling fluid from a source 136 thereof
may be pumped under pressure through tubular member 112, which
discharges at the bottom of drill bit 116 and returns to surface
122 via an annular space (also referred as the "annulus") between
drill string 110 and an inside sidewall 138 of borehole 102.
[0033] Drilling assembly 114 may further include one or more
downhole sensors 140 (collectively designated by numeral 140).
Sensors 140 may include any number and type of sensors, including,
but not limited to, sensors generally known as the
measurement-while-drilling (MWD) sensors or the
logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors, and sensors that provide
information relating to the behavior of drilling assembly 114, such
as drill bit rotation (revolutions per minute or "RPM"), tool face,
pressure, vibration, whirl, bending, and stick-slip.
[0034] Drilling assembly 114 may further include a controller unit
142 that controls the operation of one or more devices and sensors
140 in drilling assembly 114. For example, controller unit 142 may
be disposed within drill bit 116 (e.g., within a shank 208 and/or
crown 210 of a bit body of drill bit 116). Controller unit 142 may
include, among other things, circuits to process the signals from
sensor 140, a processor 144 (such as a microprocessor) to process
the digitized signals, a data storage device 146 (such as a
solid-state-memory), and a computer program 148. Processor 144 may
process the digitized signals, and control downhole devices and
sensors 140, and communicate data information with surface control
unit 128 via a two-way telemetry unit 150.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an earth-boring tool 200
that may be used with drilling assembly 114 of FIG. 1 according to
one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Earth-boring
tool 200 may include a body 202 including a neck 206, a shank 208,
and a crown 210. In some embodiments, the bulk of body 202 may be
constructed of steel, or of a ceramic-metal composite material
including particles of hard material (e.g., tungsten carbide)
cemented within a metal matrix material. Body 202 of earth-boring
tool 200 may have an axial center defining a center longitudinal
axis 205 that may generally coincide with a rotational axis of
earth-boring tool 200. Center longitudinal axis 205 of body 202 may
extend in a direction hereinafter referred to as an "axial
direction."
[0036] Body 202 may be connectable to a drill string 110 (FIG. 1).
For example, neck 206 of body 202 may have a tapered upper end
having threads thereon for connecting earth-boring tool 200 to a
box end of a drilling assembly 114 (FIG. 1). Shank 208 may include
a lower straight section that is fixedly connected to crown 210 at
a joint. In some embodiments, crown 210 may include a plurality of
rotatable cutting structure assemblies 212 and a plurality of
blades 214. For example, earth-boring tool 200 may be a fixed-blade
bit. In other embodiments, the earth-boring tool 200 may include a
hybrid bit (e.g., a drill bit having both roller cones and
blades).
[0037] Each blade 214 of blades 214 of earth-boring tool 200 may
include a number of cutting elements 230 fixed thereto. Cutting
elements 230 of each blade 214 may be located in a row along a
profile of blade 214 proximate a rotationally leading face 232 of
blade 214. In some embodiments, the number of cutting elements 230
of the number of blades 214 may include PDC cutting elements.
Moreover, the number of cutting elements 230 of the number of
blades 214 may include any suitable cutting element configurations
and materials for drilling and/or enlarging boreholes. For example,
cutting elements as disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,697,462; 5,706,906; 6,053,263; 6,098,730; 6,571,891; 8,087,478;
8,505,634; 8,684,112; 8,794,356 and 9,371,699, assigned to the
Assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated herein
in the entirety of each by this reference, may be employed as
cutting elements 230.
[0038] Generally, cutting elements 230 of a fixed-cutter type drill
bit have either a disk shape or a substantially cylindrical shape.
Cutting elements 230 include a cutting surface 255 located on a
substantially circular end surface of cutting element 230. In some
embodiments, cutting surface 255 may be formed by disposing a hard,
super-abrasive material, such as mutually bound particles of
polycrystalline diamond formed into a "diamond table" under high
temperature, high pressure (HTHP) conditions, on a supporting
substrate. The diamond table may be formed onto the substrate
during the HTHP process, or may be bonded to the substrate
thereafter. Such cutting elements 230 are often referred to as a
polycrystalline compact or a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC)
cutting element 230.
[0039] According to some embodiments, at least some of cutting
elements 230 may be instrumented ("instrumented cutting elements")
with one or more sensors configured to obtain real-time data
related to the performance or characteristics of the cutting
element and/or characteristics of the rock formation, such as
resistivity measurements. More specifically, the one or more
sensors may be configured to obtain data relating to at least one
of a diagnostic condition of the cutting element (such as
temperature, stress/strain state, magnetic field and electrical
resistivity etc.), a drilling condition, a wellbore condition, a
formation condition, a condition of the earth-boring drilling tool,
characteristics of the subterranean formation (e.g., hardness,
porosity, material composition, torque, vibration, etc.), or other
measurement data. For example, the one or more sensors may include
sensors such as thermocouples, thermistors, chemical sensors,
acoustic transducers, gamma detectors, dielectric sensors,
resistivity sensors, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs),
piezoresistive sensors (e.g., doped diamond), and other similar
sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors may be
embedded within a diamond table.
[0040] Measurements obtained by the instrumented cutting elements
230 during drilling may enable active bit control (e.g.,
geosteering), such as by correlating wear condition, active depth
of cut control, understanding the extent of formation engagement
while drilling, pad-type formation resistivity measurements, and/or
identifying where in the earth-boring tool 200 instabilities may
originate. At-bit measurements may be obtained from the one or more
instrumented cutting elements 230, such as from a number of
instrumented cutting elements 230 positioned at various locations
on earth-boring tool 200.
[0041] The instrumented cutting elements may be operably coupled
with a control module 235. Control module 235 may include, among
other things, circuits to process the signals from one or more
sensors (e.g., within cutting element 230), a processor (such as a
microprocessor) to process received signals, a data storage device,
and/or a computer program. Control module 235 may be
communicatively couple to one or more other devices, such as
control unit 128 (see FIG. 1), controller unit 142 (see FIG. 1),
and/or a configurable ovoid unit, as described more fully herein.
In some embodiments, control module 235 may also include a power
supply (e.g., voltage source or current source) that may be used to
generate signals that may, for example, energize sensors for
performing measurements and/or configure an ovoid unit. Further,
control module 235 may include an oscillator to generate the
current flowing through the subterranean formation at a desired
frequency.
[0042] For example, in response to receipt of an electrical signal
from a sensor, control module 235 may store and process information
and possibly adjust one or more operations of drilling system 100
(see FIG. 1) and/or earth-boring tool 200 (e.g., to optimize the
drilling performance). For example, if a measured temperature of
cutting element 230 exceeds a pre-set value, control module 235 may
send a signal to a self-adjusting module of earth-boring tool 200
to adjust a DOC or generate a warning transmitted to the rig floor
(e.g., via a telemetry system) to allow a driller to change
drilling parameters (e.g., to mitigate the risk of overheating and
damage to cutters). In some embodiments, control module 235 may be
integrated within tool 200 itself or along another portion of the
drill string. Control module 235 may also be coupled with a LWD
system.
[0043] According to some embodiments, one or more instrumented
cutting elements may be located near a bottom of crown 210 of bit
body 202, whereas one or more non-instrumented cutting elements 230
may be located on the sides of crown 210. Of course, positioning
the different types of cutting elements at different locations is
also contemplated. Thus, it is contemplated that earth-boring tool
200 may include any combination of instrumented cutting elements
and non-instrumented cutting elements at a variety of different
locations on blades 214.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a simplified and schematically illustrated drawing
of an example instrumented cutting element 330 engaging a
subterranean formation 301. Cutting element 230 of FIG. 2 may
include cutting element 330. For simplicity, cutting element 330 is
shown separately without showing detail for the associated
earth-boring drill bit. Cutting element 330 may be configured as a
PDC compact 310 that includes a substrate 312 coupled with a
diamond table 314 having a cutting surface 315. In some
embodiments, cutting element 330 may have a generally cylindrical
shape. In other embodiments, cutting element 230 may have other
shapes, such as conical, brutes, ovoids, etc.
[0045] Cutting element 330 may further includes one or more sensors
316. Sensor 316 may be disposed within diamond table 314, such as
by being embedded or at least partially formed within diamond table
314. As a result, sensor 316 may be located at or near cutting
surface 315 of cutting element 330.
[0046] In some embodiments, sensor 316 may be formed during an HTHP
sintering process used to form cutting element 330. The HTHP
process may include sintering diamond powder used to form diamond
table 314 of cutting element 330 at a temperature of at least
1300.degree. Celsius and a pressure of at least 5.0 GPa. In some
embodiments, diamond table 314 may be formed as a standalone object
(e.g., a free-standing diamond table) to facilitate the addition of
sensor 316, and diamond table 314 may be attached to substrate
312.
[0047] In operation, cutting element 330 may scrape across and
shear away the surface of subterranean formation 301. Cuttings 302
from subterranean formation 301 may pass across sensor 316 as
indicated by arrow 303. In some embodiments, sensor 316 may be
configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of at least
one parameter (e.g., temperature, load, etc.) of cutting element
330. In some embodiments, sensor 316 may be configured to generate
an electrical signal indicative of a parameter (e.g., resistivity)
of subterranean formation 301. For example, sensor 316 may be
energized, causing current to flow through subterranean formation
301 or cuttings 302 in contact with the energized sensor 316. As a
result, resistivity measurements may be taken from a measured
voltage and/or current detected by sensor 316, which may be aided
by intimate contact of sensing element 316 with the subterranean
formation 301.
[0048] It is noted that cutting element 330 and sensor 316 are
provided as examples, and the disclosure is not limited to any
specific cutting element and/or sensor configuration. As other
example, a cutting element may include one or more sensors as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,605,487, assigned to the Assignee of
the present invention and the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by this reference.
[0049] With reference again to FIG. 2, earth-boring tool 200 may
further include one or more ovoids 250 mounted at or near axial
ends of blades 214. In some embodiments, one or more ovoids 250 may
be mounted within blades 214 in positions rotationally trailing one
or more of cutting elements 230. In some embodiments, ovoids 250
may be configured to control an aggressiveness of earth-boring tool
200. For example, ovoids 250 may control an aggressiveness of the
earth-boring tool via any of the manners described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/725,097 to Russell et al., filed Oct. 4,
2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein. Furthermore, as will be described in greater
detail below in regard to FIGS. 4-7, ovoids 250 may include
adjustable ovoids, which may be utilized, for example, to control
the stability, vibrations, wear, and depth of cut of earth-boring
tool 200. More specifically, in some embodiments, ovoids 250 may be
configured to extend and retract (e.g., for desired performance
and/or reduced friction of cutting elements).
[0050] According to some embodiments, one or more ovoids 250 may
include and/or may be implemented with a configurable ovoid unit.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example earth-boring tool 400,
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Earth-boring tool 400 includes an example configurable ovoid unit
402 having an adjustable ovoid 403. More specifically, for example,
ovoid unit 402 may be at least partially disposed in a blade of
earth-boring tool 400. As described more fully herein, ovoid unit
402 may be configured (e.g., in response to a first condition) such
that ovoid 403 may retract (e.g., from a default position) in a
direction indicated by arrow 407 (e.g., away from a subterranean
formation) in response to an external force applied to ovoid 403
(e.g., by the subterranean formation). Upon removal of the external
force, ovoid 403 may extend in a direction indicated by arrow 405
(e.g., toward a subterranean formation) (e.g., back to its default
position). Further, ovoid unit 402 may be configured (e.g., in
response to a second, different condition) such that ovoid 403 may
not retract (e.g., from its extended position), even if an external
force is applied to ovoid 403.
[0051] An ovoid unit may also be referred to as an "ovoid
cartridge," and an ovoid may also be referred to as "ovoid head."
According to some embodiments, ovoid unit 402 may be replaceable.
More specifically, for example, ovoid unit 402 may be removed from
earth-boring tool 400, repaired and/or clean, and re-inserted back
into earth-boring tool 400. Alternatively, ovoid unit 402 may be
removed from earth-boring tool 400 and replaced with another ovoid
unit. For example, earth-boring tool 400 may include earth-boring
tool 200 of FIG. 2, and adjustable ovoid 403 may include ovoid 250
shown in FIG. 2.
[0052] Earth-boring tool 400 further includes a cutting element 430
and a control module 435. For example, cutting element 430 may
include cutting element 330 of FIG. 3, and control module 435 may
include control module 235 of FIG. 2. According to some
embodiments, cutting element 430 includes one or more sensors,
including, for example, a temperature sensor. In at least some
embodiments, cutting element 430 may be coupled to control module
435 via one or more wires 404, and control module 435 may be
further coupled to ovoid unit 402 via one or more wires 408.
Further, in some embodiments, earth-boring tool 400 may include
wire coverings and/or wire protectors (e.g., tubing) 406 for
protecting wires 404 and/or wires 408 (e.g., from vibration, heat,
abrasion, etc.). In some embodiments, control module 435 may be
configured for wireless communication with cutting element 430
and/or ovoid unit 402. In these embodiments, wires 404 and/or wires
408 may not be necessary.
[0053] FIG. 5 is another illustration of earth-boring tool 400. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, earth-boring tool 400 may include one or
more ports 410, which may be configured for receiving, for example,
a wire (e.g., wire 404) and possibly a wire protector (e.g., wire
protector 406). Further, in some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, earth-boring tool 400 may include a number of internal
chambers 412, which may be configured to receive wiring coupled to
one or more cutting elements and/or wiring coupled to one or more
ovoid units. More specifically, each internal chamber 412 may be
configured to receive wiring from one or more cutting elements 430
and/or ovoid units 402 (see FIG. 4), wherein the wiring may be
further coupled to control module 435.
[0054] FIGS. 7A-7C are cross-sectional side views of an example
configurable ovoid unit 702, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 7A
illustrates ovoid unit 702 with an extended ovoid head 703, FIG. 7B
illustrates ovoid unit 702 with a retracted ovoid head 703, and
FIG. 7C illustrates ovoid unit 702 in a non-retractable
configuration.
[0055] For example, ovoid unit 402 of FIG. 4 may include ovoid unit
702, and ovoid head 703 may include, for example, ovoid 250 (see
FIG. 2). Ovoid unit 702, which may be a hydro-mechanical device,
includes a body 701, may include a tube-shaped member. In some
embodiments, an end portion 709 of ovoid head 703 may be curved,
such as, for example, in a dome shape.
[0056] In addition to ovoid head 703, ovoid unit 702 includes a
restrictor (e.g., a flow restrictor) 704, an actuator 706, an
actuator housing 707, a valve 708, and a compensator 710. Ovoid
unit 702 may also include a cap 728 for maintaining a position of
compensator 710. Further, ovoid unit 702 may include a chamber
(e.g., high pressure chamber) 714, a chamber 722, and a chamber
746. Ovoid unit 702 also includes a check valve 748, a path (e.g.,
fluid path) 750, a path (e.g., fluid path) 752, and a port 762.
[0057] Ovoid unit 702 may further include one or more wires 712
configured for coupling (e.g., via an electrical port of ovoid unit
702; not shown in FIG. 7) to a control module (e.g., control module
235/435; see FIGS. 2, 4, and/or 6). Further, ovoid unit 702 may
also include one or more biasing elements (e.g., one or more
springs) 718, a housing 720, a housing 724 (for separating
high-pressure fluids and low pressure fluids), and an actuator
housing 730. Ovoid unit 702 may further include a lock 740, an
attachment device 742 (e.g., a bolt, screw, or the like), and a cap
744. Lock 740, attachment device 742, and cap 744 may be part of a
locking mechanism for securing one or more components of ovoid unit
702. In at least some embodiments, valve 708 may include a
piezoelectric (PZT) controlled valve. Further, actuator 706, which
may also be referred to herein as a "piston," may include a PZT
actuator.
[0058] Restrictor 704, actuator 706, valve 708, and compensator 710
may be at least partially positioned within body 701. Further,
ovoid head 703 may at least partially extend from body 701 (e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 7A). Further, in some configurations, ovoid head
703 may retract (e.g., in response to one or more conditions) at
least partially into body 701, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0059] In some embodiments, due to one or more biasing elements
(e.g., springs) 718 of ovoid unit 702, ovoid head 703 may default
to an extended position (e.g., fully extended in the direction
indicated by arrow 705), as shown in FIG. 7A. Further, in general,
depending on whether or not a signal is received at ovoid unit 702
(e.g., a signal from control module 435 of FIG. 4), valve 708 may
be in a first (e.g., open) state or a second, different (e.g.,
closed) state. Further, depending on the state of valve 708, ovoid
unit 702, and more specifically ovoid head 703, may be in a
retractable configuration or a non-retractable configuration.
[0060] For example, in a "retractable" configuration, valve 708 may
be open, fluid may enter restrictor 704, and ovoid head 703 may be
configured to move in a direction indicated by arrow 707. Stated
another way, in some embodiments, if valve 708 is open, ovoid unit
702 may be in a retractable configuration, and thus, ovoid head 703
may be able to retract in the direction indicated by arrow 707
(e.g., in response to an external force applied to ovoid head 703).
In response to the external force being reduced, or removed, ovoid
head 703 may extend (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 705)
(e.g., back to its default position).
[0061] Further, in response to receipt of a signal (e.g., a
voltage) at ovoid unit 702, actuator 706 may generate a response
(e.g., an axial extension motion), valve 708 may close, and fluid
may be blocked from flowing through restrictor 704. Since fluid is
blocked from flowing through restrictor 704, ovoid unit 702 is in a
"non-retractable" configuration, such that ovoid head 703 is
prevented from moving in the direction indicated by arrow 707.
Stated another way, in some embodiments, if valve 708 is closed,
ovoid unit 702 may be in a non-retractable configuration, and thus,
ovoid head 703 may not retract in the direction indicated by arrow
707, even if an external force is applied to ovoid head 703.
[0062] Compensator 710 may be located within body 701, and may be
configured to move relative to body 701 to expand and contract a
compensating volume 711 in response to extension and retraction of
actuator 706 and ovoid head 703 to compensate for temporary
pressure differences between one or more chambers within ovoid unit
702.
[0063] The materials of the various components of ovoid unit 702
may be selected to withstand the pressures, forces, vibrations,
temperatures, and potentially corrosive materials encountered in
the downhole environment. For example, appropriate materials may
include metals, metal alloys (e.g., steel), ceramics,
ceramic-metallic composite materials (e.g., cobalt-bound particles
of tungsten carbide), and polymers (e.g., rubber).
[0064] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 7A-7C, a contemplated
operation of earth-boring tool 400 will now be described. For
example, during operation of earth-boring tool 400, a sensor (e.g.,
sensor 316) within cutting element 430 may measure at least one
condition associated therewith. More specifically, for example,
sensor 316 may sense a temperature at and/or within cutting element
430. A signal indicative of the sensed temperature may be sent from
cutting element 430 to control module 435 (e.g., via one or more
wires 404). In response to receipt of the signal, control module
435 may process and compare the sensed temperature to one or more
temperature thresholds. Based on the comparison, control module 435
may or may not send one or more signals (e.g., a voltage and/or a
current) to ovoid unit 702 (e.g., via one or more wires 408 and/or
wires 712) for configuring ovoid unit 702, and more specifically,
ovoid head 703.
[0065] More specifically, for example, during operation of
earth-boring tool 400, if the sensed temperature is equal to or
below a second temperature threshold, a signal may not be
transmitted from control module 435 to ovoid unit 702. As noted
above, ovoid head 703 may default to an extended position (e.g.,
fully extended in the direction indicated by arrow 705), as shown
in FIG. 7A. Further, in response to an external force applied to
ovoid head 703, ovoid head 703 may move in the direction indicated
by arrow 707 (i.e., assuming the external force overcomes the
biasing force of biasing element 718). Movement of ovoid head 703
in the direction indicated by arrow 707 may cause fluid (e.g.,
hydraulic fluid) to flow from a chamber 746, though path 752,
through port 762, and through restrictor 704 to an annulus between
compensator 710 and chamber 714.
[0066] Allowing ovoid head 703 to retract (e.g., from a
subterranean formation) may provide for greater contact between a
cutting element (e.g., cutting element 430) and a subterranean
formation, which may cause cutting element 430 to heat up. Greater
contact between cutting element 430 and the subterranean formation
may increase efficiency (e.g., increase rate of penetration (ROP))
of a drilling operation).
[0067] Upon the force applied to ovoid head 703 being removed, or
reduced, biasing element 718 may cause ovoid head 703 to move in
the direction indicated by arrow 705, and fluid may flow from an
annulus between housing 720 and housing 724 through path 750,
through check valve 748, and into chamber 746.
[0068] As another example, during operation of earth-boring tool
400, if the sensed temperature is equal to or above a first
temperature threshold, control module 435 may convey a signal
(e.g., via wires 712) to ovoid unit 702. In response to a received
signal, actuator 706 may generate a response (e.g., a motion, such
as an axial extension motion). More specifically, in response to
the received signal, actuator 706, housing 707, and restrictor 704
may move (i.e., to the left as shown in FIG. 7C) toward valve 708,
which may close valve 708. When valve 708 is closed, ovoid unit 702
is in a non-retractable configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 7C,
in a non-retractable configuration, fluid may not be present
between valve 708 and restrictor 704. Further, in a non-retractable
configuration, a diameter of actuator 706 may be decreased (e.g.,
compared to a retractable configuration) (e.g., to correspond with
an increase in the length of actuator 706).
[0069] In a non-retractable configuration, as shown in FIG. 7C, if
an external force is applied to ovoid head 703, fluid may not flow
through restrictor 704 and, thus, ovoid head 703 may not retract
(e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 707). Accordingly, in
some embodiments, in response to a received signal at ovoid unit
702, ovoid head 703 may not move in the direction indicated by
arrow 707, regardless of whether or not an external force is
applied to ovoid head 703.
[0070] In the event a signal is received (i.e., to close valve 708)
while ovoid head 703 is at least partially retracted, depending on
a force applied on ovoid head 703 relative to a biasing force of
biasing element 718, ovoid head 703 may or may not move back to an
extended position. For example, as the biasing force overcomes the
force applied to ovoid head 703, ovoid head 703 may move in the
direction indicated by reference number 705.
[0071] Preventing ovoid 403 from retracting may cause cutting
element 430 to separate from a subterranean formation (e.g., a
subterranean formation 301). Separating cutting element 430 from
the subterranean formation may allow for cutting element 430 to be
exposed to fluid and/or air, which may cool cutting element 430 and
possibly prevent burning and/or cracking of earth-boring tool
400.
[0072] With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, in some embodiments, a
default position of valve 708 may be open. In other embodiments,
the default position of valve 708 may be closed. Moreover, a
default position of ovoid head 703 may be extended or retracted
(e.g., depending on a drilling application). Further, in some
embodiments, the first and second temperature thresholds disclosed
above may be equal to one another. In other embodiments, the first
and second temperature thresholds may not be equal. More
specifically, for example, the first temperature threshold may
greater than the second temperature threshold.
[0073] Further, in some embodiments, a degree to which valve 708
opens or closes, and thus a degree to which ovoid head 703 is
extended or retracted, may depend on the received signal. Stated
another way, a rate movement of ovoid head 703 may be controlled.
More specifically, for example, if the sensed temperature is at or
above a first extreme temperature threshold, the signal sent from
control module 435 may cause valve 708 to fully open, which may
cause ovoid head 703 to fully extend. In contrast, if the sensed
temperature is equal to or above a first temperature threshold but
less than the first extreme temperature threshold, the signal sent
from control module 435 may cause valve 708 to partially open,
which may cause ovoid head 703 to partially extend. Further, for
example, if the sensed temperature is at or below a second extreme
temperature threshold, the signal sent from control module 435 may
cause valve 708 to fully close, which may cause ovoid head 703 to
fully retract. In contrast, if the sensed temperature is equal to
or above a first temperature threshold but greater than the second
extreme temperature threshold, the signal sent from control module
435 may cause valve 708 to partially close, which may cause ovoid
head 703 to partially retract.
[0074] In any event, the present disclosure is not limited to any
specific configuration or operation of an ovoid unit, and an ovoid
unit and/or operation of an ovoid unit may be modified based on an
application (e.g., drilling operation). Further, ovoid unit 702 is
provided as an example ovoid unit, and the disclosure is not
limited to ovoid unit 702. Rather, other configurable ovoid units
including adjustable ovoid heads may be used to carry out various
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method 800 of operating
an earth-boring tool. Method 800 may be arranged in accordance with
at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. Method
800 may be performed, in some embodiments, by a device or system,
such as system 100 of FIG. 1, earth-boring tool 200 of FIG. 2,
cutting element 330 of FIG. 3, earth-boring tool 400 of FIGS. 4-6,
ovoid unit 702 of FIGS. 7A-C, one or more of the components
thereof, or another system or device. In these and other
embodiments, method 800 may be performed based on the execution of
instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable
medium. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may
be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or
eliminated, depending on the desired implementation.
[0076] Method 800 may begin at block 802, where at least one
condition of cutting element may be sensed, and method 800 may
proceed to block 804. For example, a temperature of cutting element
(e.g., cutting element 430 of FIG. 4), which may be secured to at
least one blade of an earth-boring tool (e.g., earth-boring tool
400 of FIG. 4), may be sensed.
[0077] At block 804, a configuration of at least one configurable
ovoid unit may be adjusted. For example, the configuration of the
at least one configurable ovoid unit (e.g., ovoid unit 402 of FIG.
4 and/or ovoid unit 702 of FIGS. 7A-C) may be adjusted based on the
at least one sensed condition. More specifically, for example, the
configuration of the at least one configurable ovoid unit may be
adjusted in response to a signal received at the configurable ovoid
unit. As described more fully herein, the configurable ovoid unit
may operate in a retractable configuration or a non-retractable
configuration.
[0078] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method
800 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the operations of method 800 may be implemented in
differing order. Furthermore, the outlined operations and actions
are only provided as examples, and some of the operations and
actions may be optional, combined into fewer operations and
actions, or expanded into additional operations and actions without
detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiment. For
example, information related to the sensed condition may be
conveyed from a sensor of the cutting element to a control module.
Further, the control module may process the received information
and determine, based on the information, a desired configuration of
the ovoid unit. For example, based on the sensed condition and/or
the desired configuration of the ovoid unit, the control module may
or may not transmit a signal (e.g., a voltage and/or a current) to
the configurable ovoid unit.
[0079] Other embodiments of the disclosure may relate to forming an
earth-boring tool, such as earth boring tool 400 shown in FIG. 4.
In these embodiments, a configurable ovoid unit (e.g., ovoid unit
702 of FIGS. 7A-7C) may be at least partially disposed within a
blade of an earth-boring tool. Further, for example, the
configurable ovoid unit may be communicatively coupled to a control
module (e.g., control module 235/435; see FIGS. 2, 4, and 6).
[0080] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example control module 900,
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For
example, control module 900 may include a processor 910, a storage
device 920, a memory 930, and a communication device 940. Processor
910, storage device 920, memory 930, and/or communication device
940 may all be communicatively coupled such that each of the
components may communicate with the other components. Control
module 900, which may include control module 235/435 (see e.g.,
FIGS. 2, 4, and/or 6), may perform various operations described in
the present disclosure.
[0081] In general, processor 910 may include any suitable
special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or
processing device including various computer hardware or software
modules and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any
applicable computer-readable storage media. For example, processor
910 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital
signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other
digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or to
execute program instructions and/or to process data. Although
illustrated as a single processor in FIG. 9, processor 910 may
include any number of processors configured to perform,
individually or collectively, any number of operations described in
the present disclosure.
[0082] In some embodiments, processor 910 may interpret and/or
execute program instructions and/or process data stored in storage
device 920, memory 930, or storage device 920 and memory 930. In
some embodiments, processor 910 may fetch program instructions from
storage device 920 and load the program instructions in memory 930.
After the program instructions are loaded into memory 930,
processor 910 may execute the program instructions.
[0083] For example, in some embodiments one or more of processing
operations for receiving and/or processing sensor data and/or
conveying a signal (e.g., responsive to the sensor data) may be
included in storage device 920 as program instructions. Processor
910 may fetch the program instructions of one or more of the
processing operations and may load the program instructions of the
processing operations in memory 930. After the program instructions
of the processing operations are loaded into memory 930, processor
910 may execute the program instructions such that control module
900 may implement the operations associated with the processing
operations as directed by the program instructions.
[0084] Storage device 920 and memory 930 may include
computer-readable storage media for carrying or having
computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such computer-readable storage media may include any available
media that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose
computer, such as processor 910. By way of example, and not
limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include
tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media
including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash
memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other
storage medium which may be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data
structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or
special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be
included within the scope of computer-readable storage media.
Computer-executable instructions may include, for example,
instructions and data configured to cause the processor 910 to
perform a certain operation or group of operations.
[0085] In some embodiments, storage device 920 and/or memory 930
may store data associated with a drilling operation, and more
specifically, data associated with an earth-boring tool (e.g., tool
400), such as, for example, one or more sensors (e.g., sensor data
and/or threshold data) of the earth-boring tool, and/or one or more
ovoid units of the earth-boring tool.
[0086] Communication device 940 may include any device, system,
component, or collection of components configured to allow or
facilitate communication between control module 900 and another
device (e.g., one or more sensors and/or one or more ovoid units).
For example, communication device 940 may be configured for wired
and/or wireless communication.
[0087] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG. 9
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, control module 900 may include more or fewer elements than
those illustrated and described in the present disclosure.
[0088] In contrast to conventional systems that may require that a
time-average DOC be set (e.g., via an operator), according to
various embodiments of the disclosure, a time-average DOC may be
based on a sensed temperature (e.g., within one or more cutting
elements). Further, various embodiments may limit burning or
cracking of earth-boring tools (e.g., via limiting transient
spin-up, high RPM heating, and/or impact tension (e.g., from
stick/slip and/or stall/start)).
[0089] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described
in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize and appreciate that embodiments encompassed by the
disclosure are not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown
and described herein. Rather, many additions, deletions, and
modifications to the embodiments described herein may be made
without departing from the scope of embodiments encompassed by the
disclosure, such as those hereinafter claimed, including legal
equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment
may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while
still being encompassed within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *