Optimized central PDC cutter and method
AssigneeOmni IP Ltd.
InventorsJames Shamburger, Vincent Salvo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A drill bit, insert and method useful for subterranean drilling, or forming boreholes in subterranean formations is provided. More particularly, a more efficient cutting structure and method is provided in the central portion of a PDC drill bit. The present invention provides a drill bit, insert and method having a central cutting portion with a more normalized angle of attack. The drill bit of the present invention provides for various attack angles much closer to the optimum side rake.
Claims23
A PDC drill bit for subterranean drilling or forming boreholes in subterranean formations comprising:
- (a) a drill bit body;
- (b) a central cutting member for enhancing the efficiency of the PDC bit at the center of the drill bit body, the central cutting member comprising:
- (1) an end portion for engaging the drill bit body;
- (2) a member adjacent the end portion, wherein the member comprises a center and an edge;
- and
- (3) a plurality of cutters supported by the member, the plurality of cutters each comprising:
- a cutting surface comprising a base surface disposed against the member and extending radially between the center and the edge, and an inner surface extending upward from the center and terminating proximate to the inner surface of each other cutter at an apex, wherein the cutting surface comprises a side rake angle that provides an overlapping relationship between each cutting surface such that the PDC bit provides an aggressive cutting structure at the center of the PDC bit.
A method for enhancing the efficiency of a PDC bit at the center of the drill bit body, the PDC bit having cutters distributed thereupon, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) engaging central cutters with the PDC bit;
- (b) providing the central cutters with a more efficient cutting structure, wherein the central cutters comprise:
- a member having a center and an edge;
- and
- a cutting surface comprising a base surface disposed against the member and extending radially between the center and the edge, and an inner surface extending upward from the center and terminating proximate to the inner surface of each other cutter at an apex;
- (c) providing a side rake angle with respect to one or more central cutters for enhancing the efficiency of the PDC bit at the center of the drill bit body such that the side rake angle provides an overlapping relationship between the cutting surface on each central cutter such that the PDC bit provides an aggressive cutting structure at the center of the PDC bit.
An insert for a PDC drill bit for subterranean drilling or forming boreholes in subterranean formations comprising a plurality of cutters supported by an end portion, the plurality of cutters comprising a central cutting member for enhancing the efficiency of the PDC bit at the center of the drill bit body, the central cutting member comprising:
- (a) an end portion for engaging the drill bit body;
- (b) a member adjacent the end portion, wherein the member comprises a center and an edge;
- and
- (c) a plurality of cutters supported by the member, the plurality of cutters each comprising:
- a cutting surface comprising a base surface disposed against the member and extending radially between the center and the edge, and an inner surface extending upward from the center and terminating proximate to the inner surface of each other cutter at an apex, wherein the cutting surface comprises a side rake angle that provides an overlapping relationship between each cutting surface such that the PDC bit provides an aggressive cutting structure at the center of the PDC bit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.