Coring Blade Drill Bit Fragment Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill bits require frequent tripping of the drill string to extract core samples, which is time-consuming and costly, and are less effective in drilling through hard, abrasive formations like sandstone.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit design featuring a coring blade with a conical cutting element and an evacuation slot that allows for simultaneous core sample fragment formation and extraction during drilling, reducing the need for tripping and improving drilling efficiency through a fixed cutter mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional drill bits are used to extract core samples, then core samples can be obtained, but the drill string must be frequently tripped which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the core sampling function with the drilling operation by integrating a coring blade and evacuation slot into the drill bit itself. This allows core samples to be extracted continuously during drilling without requiring separate tripping operations, merging two previously separate functions (drilling and coring) into a single simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation slot enables continuous removal of core sample fragments as they are formed during drilling. The slot allows cuttings to be evacuated in real-time through the drill bit structure, maintaining continuous drilling and coring operations without interruption, thereby eliminating the discontinuous tripping cycles required by conventional methods.
2Reliability
If conventional drill bits are used in hard, abrasive formations like sandstone, then drilling can proceed, but effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coring blade is positioned specifically at the center of the bit face to target the core formation area, while the evacuation slot is strategically located to optimize cuttings removal. This localized functional differentiation addresses the specific challenge of hard formations by concentrating cutting elements and evacuation capability where most needed for effective coring in abrasive materials.
3Productivity
If core samples are extracted continuously during drilling, then drilling efficiency improves, but bit plugging may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation slot extracts core sample fragments and cuttings from the drilling zone in real-time, removing them before they can accumulate and cause plugging. By continuously taking out the drilled material through the slot, the system prevents the buildup that would lead to bit plugging while maintaining high drilling efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances drilling speed and reduces costs by allowing continuous core sample extraction without tripping the drill string, while maintaining acceptable rates of penetration and avoiding bit plugging.
Implementation Method 1
the rotating bit engages the earthen formation causing the bit to cut through the formation material by either abrasion, fracturing, or shearing action
Implementation Method 2
the rotating bit engages the earthen formation causing the bit to cut through the formation material by either abrasion, fracturing, or shearing action
Implementation Method 3
an evacuation slot positioned across the bit centerline relative to the coring blade... relaying the core sample fragment to the evacuation slot
Data Source
AI summary
A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis.