| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20100263861 | System and Method for Optimizing Gravel Deposition in Subterranean Wells - A system for optimizing gravel deposition in a completion interval of a well. The system includes a pumping system that is operable to deliver a gravel pack slurry to the completion interval, an actuator system that is operable to control properties of the gravel pack slurry and a sensor system that is operable to monitor parameters representative of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A dynamic gravel pack model defined in a computer is operable to receive data from the sensor system and provides estimates of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A control system is operable to control the pumping system and the actuator system in relation to a gravel pack deposition plan and the dynamic gravel pack model, wherein the estimates of the dynamic gravel pack model are input into the control system to automatically modify the gravel pack deposition plan. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20110042091 | FLOW PATH CONTROL BASED ON FLUID CHARACTERISTICS TO THEREBY VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110042092 | ALTERNATING FLOW RESISTANCE INCREASES AND DECREASES FOR PROPAGATING PRESSURE PULSES IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A method of propagating pressure pulses in a well can include flowing a fluid composition through a variable flow resistance system which includes a vortex chamber having at least one inlet and an outlet, a vortex being created when the fluid composition spirals about the outlet, and a resistance to flow of the fluid composition alternately increasing and decreasing. The vortex can be alternately created and dissipated in response to flowing the fluid composition through the system. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system which propagates pressure pulses into a formation in response to flow of a fluid composition from the formation. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110186300 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110214876 | FLOW PATH CONTROL BASED ON FLUID CHARACTERISTICS TO THEREBY VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110266001 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW USING MOVABLE FLOW DIVERTER ASSEMBLY - Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. In other embodiments, the fluid diverter moves in response to a change in the fluid to affect fluid flow patterns in a tubular, the change in flow pattern operating a valve assembly. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110297384 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows in a well, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The fluid composition enters via the inlet in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system through which a fluid composition flows between a tubular string and a formation, the flow resistance system including a flow chamber through which the fluid composition flows, with only one chamber inlet. The fluid composition flows more directly from the inlet to an outlet as a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition increases. Another flow resistance system can include at least one structure which influences portions of the fluid composition which flow circuitously between the inlet and the outlet to maintain such circuitous flow. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297385 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM WITH CIRCULATION INDUCING STRUCTURE THEREIN TO VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber having an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet. The fluid composition may enter the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a structure which impedes a change from circular flow about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308806 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120060624 | SERIES CONFIGURED VARIABLE FLOW RESTRICTORS FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system can include a vortex device, with resistance to flow of a fluid composition through the vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at an inlet to the vortex device. Another system can include a second vortex device which receives a fluid composition from an outlet of a first vortex device, a resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. Another system can include a first vortex device which causes increased rotation of a fluid composition at an outlet thereof in response to an increase the fluid composition velocity, and a second vortex device which receives the fluid composition from the outlet, a flow resistance through the second vortex device being dependent on the rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061088 | SELF-RELEASING PLUG FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A flow control system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. Another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, a plug, and a structure which supports the plug, but which releases the plug in response to degrading of the structure by the fluid composition. Yet another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a velocity of the fluid composition in the flow chamber. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120111577 | VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE SYSTEM WITH CIRCULATION INDUCING STRUCTURE THEREIN TO VARIABLY RESIST FLOW IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A flow control device can include a surface that defines a chamber and includes a side perimeter and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces being smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces, a first port through one of the end surfaces, and a second port through the surface and apart from the first port, the side perimeter surface being operable to direct flow from the second port to rotate about the first port. Another device can include a cylindroidal chamber for receiving flow through an inlet and directing the flow to an outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber being smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, the cylindroidal chamber promoting rotation of the flow based on a characteristic of the inflow through the inlet. The device can have a flow path structure in the cylindroidal chamber. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120138304 | DEVICE FOR DIRECTING THE FLOW OF A FLUID USING A PRESSURE SWITCH - A device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure pocket; a first fluid passageway; a pressure source; and a pressure switch, wherein the first fluid passageway operationally connects at least the pressure pocket and the pressure source, and wherein the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to the pressure source. According to an embodiment, depending on at least one of the properties of the fluid, the fluid that flows into the pressure pocket changes. In one embodiment, the change is the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket. In another embodiment, the change is the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket. According to another embodiment, a flow rate regulator comprises: the device for directing the flow of a fluid; a second fluid passageway; a third fluid passageway; and a fourth fluid passageway. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120152527 | EXIT ASSEMBLY WITH A FLUID DIRECTOR FOR INDUCING AND IMPEDING ROTATIONAL FLOW OF A FLUID - According to an embodiment, an exit assembly comprises: a first fluid inlet; a first fluid outlet; and at least one fluid director, wherein the fluid enters the exit assembly in one direction, in another direction, or combinations thereof, and wherein the at least one fluid director induces flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the one direction and impedes flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the another direction. In another embodiment, the exit assembly includes two or more fluid inlets. According to another embodiment, a flow rate restrictor comprises: a fluid switch; and the exit assembly. According to another embodiment, the flow rate restrictor is for use in a subterranean formation. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120179428 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPLETION OPTIMIZATION - A system for completing a wellbore ( | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120211243 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120234557 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTONOMOUS DOWNHOLE FLUID SELECTION WITH PATHWAY DEPENDENT RESISTANCE SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120255739 | SELECTIVELY VARIABLE FLOW RESTRICTOR FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least two inlets, and a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths, and an actuator which varies the proportions. The actuator may deflect the fluid composition toward one of the inlet flow paths. A method of variably controlling flow resistance in a well can include changing an orientation of a deflector relative to a passage through which a fluid composition flows, thereby influencing the fluid composition to flow toward one of multiple inlet flow paths of a flow chamber, the chamber having a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120255740 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW IN AN AUTONOMOUS VALVE USING A STICKY SWITCH - Apparatus and methods are described for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a tubular in a wellbore. A fluid is flowed through an inlet passageway into a biasing mechanism. A fluid flow distribution is established across the biasing mechanism. The fluid flow distribution is altered in response to a change in the fluid characteristic over time. In response, fluid flow through a downstream sticky switch assembly is altered, thereby altering fluid flow patterns in a downstream vortex assembly. The method “selects” based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity, density, velocity, flow rate, etc. The biasing mechanism can take various forms such as a widening passageway, contour elements along the biasing mechanism, or a curved section of the biasing mechanism passageway. The biasing mechanism can include hollows formed in the passageway wall, obstructions extending from the passageway wall, fluid diodes, Tesla fluid diodes, a chicane, or abrupt changes in passageway cross-section. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120279593 | DEVICE FOR DIRECTING THE FLOW OF A FLUID USING A CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH - According to an embodiment, a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a fluid chamber; a first outlet; a second outlet; a first outlet fluid passageway, wherein the first outlet fluid passageway is operatively connected to the first outlet; and a second outlet fluid passageway, wherein the second outlet fluid passageway is operatively connected to the second outlet; wherein the fluid rotationally flows about the inside of the chamber, and wherein the fluid flowing through the first outlet fluid passageway conjoins with the fluid flowing through the second outlet fluid passageway at a point downstream of the first and second outlet. According to another embodiment, a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a sensor; a first outlet connected to the sensor; a second outlet connected to the sensor; a first outlet fluid passageway; and a second outlet fluid passageway; wherein as the total number of phases of the fluid increases, the sensor directs at least a first phase of the fluid into the first outlet fluid passageway and directs at least a second phase of the fluid into the second outlet fluid passageway, and wherein the fluid flowing through the first outlet fluid passageway conjoins with the fluid flowing through the second outlet fluid passageway at a point downstream of the first and second outlet. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120318511 | Managing Treatment of Subterranean Zones - A downhole heated fluid generation system includes an air subsystem having at least one of an air compressor and an air flow control valve; a fuel subsystem having at least one of a fuel compressor and a fuel flow control valve; a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor fluidly coupled to at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem, and operable to provide a heated fluid into a wellbore; and a controller operable to receive an input representing a heated fluid parameter; determine a virtual heated fluid generation rate based at least partially on the heated fluid parameter; and control at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem by the virtual heated fluid generation rate. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120318526 | Managing Treatment of Subterranean Zones - A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a compressor-valve assembly having a compressor and a valve, the assembly operable to compress and regulate a fluid used in generating a heated treatment fluid; a combustor fluidly coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the combustor operable to provide the heated treatment fluid into a wellbore; and a controller communicably coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the controller operable to: determine an input indicative of a desired position of the valve; determine a value indicative of an actual position of the valve; determine a desired operating condition of the compressor based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired position of the valve and the value indicative of an actual position of the valve; and adjust an operating parameter of the compressor based on the desired operating pressure to compress a fluid flowing through the compressor and the valve. | 12-20-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080223575 | CASING AND LINER DRILLING BITS AND REAMERS, CUTTING ELEMENTS THEREFOR, AND METHODS OF USE - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20100030527 | SYSTEM, PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND RELATED METHODS FOR BIT DESIGN OPTIMIZATION AND SELECTION - Systems, program product, and methods are provided which include analyzing the drillability of a subterranean formation and a database of performance characteristics for drilling bits to facilitate bit design optimization and selection for that formation. Using component subterranean formation data, computer models can be generated for the drillability of a target section in terms of physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties, and for postulated suitable drilling bit performance characteristics based on physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties of the target section. The drilling bit performance characteristics are then updated by quantifying effects of the drilling system to be employed. Each performance characteristic can be normalized and plotted on its own axis for easy comparison. Next, a candidate drilling bit design is selected from a library of computer models of drilling bit characteristics for a suite of drilling bit designs. An optimization of the drilling bit design may be also performed. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20110114392 | DRILLING APPARATUS WITH REDUCED EXPOSURE OF CUTTERS AND METHODS OF DRILLING - A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110259604 | CASING AND LINER DRILLING SHOES HAVING INTEGRATED OPERATIONAL COMPONENTS, AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259605 | CASING AND LINER DRILLING SHOES HAVING SELECTED PROFILE GEOMETRIES, AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259606 | CASING SHOES HAVING DRILLABLE AND NON-DRILLABLE CUTTING ELEMENTS IN DIFFERENT REGIONS AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259608 | CASING AND LINER DRILLING SHOES WITH PORTIONS CONFIGURED TO FAIL RESPONSIVE TO PRESSURE, AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259643 | CASING AND LINER DRILLING SHOES HAVING SPIRAL BLADE CONFIGURATIONS, AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110266069 | CASING SHOES INCLUDING CUTTING ELEMENTS, CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR EARTH-BORING TOOL, AND RELATED METHODS - A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20120024609 | DRILLING APPARATUS WITH REDUCED EXPOSURE OF CUTTERS AND METHODS OF DRILLING - A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock. | 02-02-2012 |
