Shaped Impregnated Shock Studs for Drill Bit Torque Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill bits face challenges in efficiently drilling through formations with varying hardness and abrasive materials, as they often suffer from increased torque and cutter wear, particularly when encountering hard stringers and abrasive formations.

Innovation Solution

The drill bit incorporates shaped impregnated shock studs made from a ceramic or cermet matrix impregnated with superhard materials, which are strategically positioned to protect backup cutters from hard stringers and optimize cutting efficiency by gradually engaging the formation, reducing torque and extending cutter life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional cutters are used to drill through hard stringers and abrasive formations, then drilling can proceed through the formation, but torque increases and cutter wear accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidcutter life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shock stud is positioned ahead of the backup cutter to engage the formation first and absorb impacts from hard stringers before the cutter engages, protecting the cutter from premature wear and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shock stud acts as an intermediary element between the formation and the backup cutter, absorbing shock and impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the cutter, thereby extending cutter life while maintaining drilling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If backup cutters are positioned to follow leading cutters, then they can take over when leading cutters wear, but they are vulnerable to damage from hard stringers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutter lifeVSAvoidcutter resistance to hard stringers

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shock stud is positioned ahead of the backup cutter to engage the formation first and absorb impacts from hard stringers before the cutter engages, protecting the cutter from premature wear and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shock stud provides cushioning protection ahead of the backup cutter, absorbing shock and impact forces from hard stringers before they reach the cutter, thereby protecting the cutter while allowing it to maintain its design life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If cutters engage the formation directly, then cutting action is immediate, but torque increases when encountering hard stringers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidtorque

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The shock stud acts as an intermediary element between the formation and the backup cutter, absorbing shock and impact forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the cutter, thereby extending cutter life while maintaining drilling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock stud changes the mechanical parameters of the cutting system by introducing a shock-absorbing element that modifies the force transmission characteristics, reducing peak torques while maintaining cutting effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of shaped impregnated shock studs enhances drilling efficiency by protecting backup cutters during initial hard formations and optimizing cutting properties for abrasive materials, reducing torque and extending the drill bit's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

drilling through formations with varying hardness and abrasive materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

protect backup cutters from hard stringers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS10844667B2Drill bit having shaped impregnated shock studs and/or intermediate shaped cutter

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 VAREL INT IND LP

AI summary

A bit for drilling a wellbore includes: a shank having a coupling formed at an upper end thereof; a body mounted to a lower end of the shank; and a cutting face forming a lower end of the bit. The cutting face includes: a blade protruding from the body; a leading cutter including: a substrate mounted in a pocket formed in a leading edge of the blade; and a cutting table made from a superhard material and mounted to the substrate; and a shock stud having a nonplanar working portion made from a composite material and mounted in a lower face of the blade at a position trailing the leading cutter. The composite material comprises a ceramic or cermet matrix impregnated with a superhard material.