Drill Bit Depth of Cut Control via Radial Swath DOCC Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole drilling tools experience uneven depth of cut control, leading to wear and vibration issues, which affect drilling efficiency and tool longevity due to the lack of precise control over cutting elements as geological formations change in compressive strength with depth.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a critical depth of cut for drill bits by selecting a radial swath on the bit face, identifying cutting elements within it, and configuring depth of cut controllers (DOCCs) to provide a consistent and even depth of cut, based on the location and orientation of cutting zones and edges, thereby optimizing penetration rate and reducing tool vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional DOCC configurations are used, then the drilling tool can operate, but uneven depth of cut control occurs leading to wear and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring DOCCs with varying geometries (different radii, widths, and positions) to control the depth of cut of individual cutting elements at specific locations on the bit face. Each DOCC is tailored to the local requirements of the cutting elements it controls, ensuring uniform depth of cut across different radial and axial positions while preventing uneven wear and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the geometric parameters of DOCCs (radius, width, axial position, radial position) to achieve consistent depth of cut control. The method involves calculating optimal DOCC parameters based on cutting element locations and desired depth of cut values, thereby transforming the uniform DOCC design into a customized configuration that eliminates depth of cut variations.
2Length of moving object
If deeper drilling is performed, then greater formation penetration is achieved, but compressive strength increases making drilling more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling continuous adjustment of depth of cut parameters through configurable DOCCs that can be optimized for different formation conditions. The system dynamically adapts the depth of cut control based on the specific geological formation characteristics encountered at different depths, allowing the drilling tool to maintain efficient operation despite increasing formation strength with depth.
3Reliability
If cutting elements are controlled to provide even depth of cut, then wear and vibration are reduced, but DOCC configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the bit face into multiple radial swaths and assigning specific DOCCs to control cutting elements within each swath. This segmented approach allows the complex problem of overall depth of cut uniformity to be broken down into manageable local control zones, where each DOCC handles a specific group of cutting elements, simplifying the configuration process while achieving global uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring the optimal DOCC geometries and positions based on the known locations of cutting elements and desired depth of cut values before the drilling operation begins. This preliminary design phase eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during drilling, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable depth of cut control.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of determining a critical depth of cut of a drill bit comprises selecting a radial swath associated with an area of a bit face of a drill bit. The method further comprises identifying a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the bit face that each include at least a portion located within the radial swath. The method also comprises identifying a depth of cut controller (DOCC) disposed on the bit face and configured to control a depth of cut of the portions of the plurality of cutting elements located within the radial swath. The method additionally comprises calculating a critical depth of cut associated with the radial swath and DOCC based on a depth of cut associated with each portion of the plurality of cutting elements located within the radial swath and controlled by the DOCC.