Patent Application
20230203892
This disclosure relates generally to cutting elements for use on earth-boring tools during earth-boring operations. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cutting elements having geometries for improved mechanical efficiency.
Wellbores are formed in subterranean formations for various purposes including, for example, extraction of oil and gas from the subterranean formation and extraction of geothermal heat from the subterranean formation. Wellbores may be formed in a subterranean formation using earth-boring tools, such as an earth-boring rotary drill bit. The earth-boring rotary drill bit is rotated and advanced into the subterranean formation. As the earth-boring rotary drill bit rotates, the cutters or abrasive structures thereof cut, crush, shear, and/or abrade away the formation material to form the wellbore.
The earth-boring rotary drill bit is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to an end of what is referred to in the art as a “drill string,” which comprises a series of elongated tubular segments connected end-to-end that extends into the wellbore from the surface of earth above the subterranean formations being drilled. Various tools and components, including the drill bit, may be coupled together at the distal end of the drill string at the bottom of the wellbore being drilled. This assembly of tools and components is referred to in the art as a “bottom-hole assembly” (BHA).
The earth-boring rotary drill bit may be rotated within the wellbore by rotating the drill string from the surface of the formation, or the drill bit may be rotated by coupling the drill bit to a downhole motor, which is coupled to the drill string and disposed proximate the bottom of the wellbore. The downhole motor may include, for example, a hydraulic Moineau-type motor having a shaft, to which the earth-boring rotary drill bit is mounted, that may be caused to rotate by pumping fluid (e.g., drilling mud or fluid) from the surface of the formation down through the center of the drill string, through the hydraulic motor, out from nozzles in the drill bit, and back up to the surface of the formation through the annular space between the outer surface of the drill string and the exposed surface of the formation within the wellbore. The downhole motor may be operated with or without drill string rotation.
Different types of earth-boring rotary drill bits are known in the art, including fixed-cutter bits, rolling-cutter bits, and hybrid bits (which may include, for example, both fixed cutters and rolling cutters). Fixed-cutter bits, as opposed to roller cone bits, have no moving parts and are designed to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the drill string. Most fixed-cutter bits employ Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutting elements. The cutting edge of a PDC cutting element drills rock formations by shearing, like the cutting action of a lathe, as opposed to roller cone bits that drill by indenting and crushing the rock. The cutting action of the cutting edge plays a major role in the amount of energy needed to drill a rock formation.
A PDC cutting element is usually composed of a thin layer, (e.g., about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm), of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cutting element substrate at an interface. The polycrystalline diamond material is often referred to as the “diamond table.” A PDC cutting element is generally cylindrical with a diameter from about 8 mm up to about 24 mm. However, PDC cutting elements may be available in other forms such as oval or triangle-shapes and may be larger or smaller than the sizes stated above.
A PDC cutting element may be fabricated separately from the bit body and secured within cutting element pockets formed in the outer surface of a blade of the bit body. A bonding material such as an adhesive or, more typically, a braze alloy may be used to secure the PDC cutting element by its supporting substrate within the pocket. The diamond table of a PDC cutting element is formed by sintering and bonding together relatively small diamond grains under conditions of high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) in the presence of a catalyst (such as, for example, cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys and mixtures thereof) to form a layer or “table” of polycrystalline diamond material on the cutting element substrate.
The substrate 106 may comprise a cermet material (i.e., a ceramic metal composite material) such as, for example, cobalt cemented tungsten carbide. In such instances, the cobalt (or other catalyst material) in the substrate 106 may be swept into the diamond grains during sintering and serve as the catalyst material for forming the inter-granular diamond-to-diamond bonds between the diamond grains in the diamond table 104.
Upon formation of a diamond table using the HTHP process, catalyst material may remain in interstitial spaces between the grains of the diamond table. The presence of the catalyst material in the diamond table may contribute to degradation in the diamond-to-diamond bonds between the diamond grains in the diamond table when the cutting element 100 gets hot during use. Degradation of the diamond-to-diamond bonds due to heat is referred to as “thermal damage” to the diamond table 104. Therefore, it is advantageous to minimize the amount heat to which a cutting element 100 is exposed. This may be accomplished by reducing the rate of penetration of the earth-boring rotary drill bit. However, reduced rate of penetration, means longer drilling time and higher costs associated with drilling, while cutting element failure means stopping the drilling process to remove the drill string in order to replace the drill bit. Thus there is a need for cutting elements with improved rates of penetration and durability.
One method to enhance the durability of a PDC cutting element is modify the cutting edge of the PDC cutting element to reduce stress points. For example, tapered surfaces may be formed in the cylindrical side surface of the cutting element as illustrated in
Another method to improve the efficiency and durability of cutting element 200 is to form chamfered edges 214 on the cutting edge 202 of the diamond table 204. It is known in the industry to chamfer edges of a PDC cutting element 200 to enhance the durability of the PDC cutting element 200. Diamond tables 204 with chamfered edges 214 on the cutting edge 202 have been found to have a reduced the tendency to spall and fracture.
Multi-chamfered Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutting elements are also known in the art. For example, a multi-chamfered cutting element is taught by Cooley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,343, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In particular, the Cooley et al. patent discloses a PDC cutting element having a polycrystalline diamond material having two concentric chamfers.
It is also known in the industry to modify the shape of the diamond table to improve cutting element efficiency and durability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,699 to Thigpin et al. is directed to a cutting element having a spherical first end opposite the cutting end. Cutting element variations, illustrated in FIGS. 22-29 of Thigpin et al., comprise channels or holes formed in the cutting face. U.S. Pat. No. 9,598,909 to Patel is directed to cutting elements with grooves on the cutting face as illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 of Patel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,737 to Bovenkerk is directed toward cutting elements having a thin layer of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a free end of an elongated pin. One particular cutting element variation illustrated in FIG. 4G of Bovenkerk, comprises a generally hemispherical diamond layer having a plurality of flats formed on the outer surface thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,378,289 to Stockey and U.S. Patent Publication U.S. 2017/0234078 A1 to Patel et al. are directed towards a cutting face of a cutting element having multiple chamfers forming concentric rings on the cutting face. One particular cutting element variation, illustrated in FIG. 1 of Stockey, comprises a ring surface with a chamfer at the cutting edge surrounding an annular recess which in turn surrounds a planar circle at the center of the cutting face. Another cutting element variation illustrated in FIG. 2 of Patel et al., comprises multiple raised ring surfaces and multiple annular recesses surrounding a planar circle at the center of the cutting face.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,340 to Jensen is directed to raised surface geometries on non-planar cutting elements. One variation, illustrated in FIG. 4A of Jensen, comprises a four-sided pyramidal shape with a planar square surface at the top.
U.S. Patent Publication 2018/0148978 A1 to Chen is directed toward a cutting element with a raised hexagonal shape. Another cutting element variation, illustrated in FIG. 5A of Chen, comprises a raised hexagonal shape having chamfered edges. Another cutting element variation, illustrated in FIG. 5C of Chen, comprises a raised cutting surface having six round “teeth.”
U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,387 to Durairajan et al. is directed to cutting elements having geometries for high Rate of Penetration (ROP). One cutting element variation, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of Durairajan et al., comprises a cutting element having a shaped cutting surface comprising a raised triangular shape. Another cutting element variation, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, of Durairajan et al., comprises a cutting element with a raised triangle having a beveled or chamfered edge.
PCT Publication WO 2018/231343 to Cuillier De Maindreville et al. is directed to superabrasive bits with multiple raised cutting surfaces. One cutting element variation, illustrated in FIG. 1, of Cuillier De Maindreville et al., comprises raised triangular shapes similar to Durairajan et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,688 to Dennis is directed to PDC cutting elements. Cutting element variations, illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 of Dennis, comprise cutting elements with various raised shapes including triangular and hexagonal shapes.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a cutting element for forming a borehole through a subterranean formation. The cutting element includes a substrate having a substrate and a volume of polycrystalline diamond on the substrate. The volume of polycrystalline diamond includes a front cutting face, a lateral side surface, and a cutting edge between the front cutting face and the lateral side surface. The cutting edge has a cutting apex and extends between a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface. The first side flat surface and the second side flat surface are disposed on opposing sides of the cutting apex of the cutting edge. The cutting edge also includes a first chamfer surface and a second chamfer surface. The first and second chamfer surfaces are located adjacent to one another and oriented at a first angle relative to one another at the cutting apex. The cutting edge includes one of: an arcuate edge having a radius of curvature; and a linear edge having at least two discrete linear edges adjacent one another and separated by a second angle.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes an earth-boring tool for forming a borehole through a subterranean formation. The earth-boring tool includes a boring body and a cutting element secured to the boring body. The cutting element includes a substrate having a base and a substrate volume. The cutting element further includes a volume of polycrystalline diamond on the substrate. The volume of polycrystalline diamond includes a front cutting face, a lateral side surface, and a cutting edge between the front cutting face and the lateral side surface. The cutting edge includes a cutting apex and extends between a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface. The first side flat surface and the second side flat surface are disposed on opposing sides of the cutting apex of the cutting edge. The cutting edge is oriented at a first angle relative to the lateral side surface. The cutting edge includes one of: an arcuate edge having a radius of curvature; and a linear edge having at least two discrete linear edges adjacent one another and separated by a second angle. The cutting element further includes an interface between the substrate and the volume of polycrystalline diamond. The interface is separated from the base of the substrate by a majority of the substrate volume.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of manufacturing an earth-boring tool for forming a borehole through a subterranean formation. The method includes forming a boring body and forming at least one socket in a leading edge section of the boring body. The method further includes forming a cutting element for the at least one socket of the boring body. Wherein, forming the cutting element comprises: forming a substrate; forming a volume of polycrystalline diamond on the substrate; shaping the volume of polycrystalline diamond and the substrate to have two or more side flat surfaces, a front cutting face, and a cutting apex. Wherein shaping the volume of polycrystalline diamond and the substrate further comprises: disposing a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface of the two or more side flat surfaces on opposing sides of the cutting apex; and forming a cutting edge to extend between the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface and to have a first chamfer surface and a second chamfer surface. The first and second chamfer surfaces are located adjacent to one another and oriented at an angle relative to one another at the cutting apex. The cutting edge is further formed to include one of: an arcuate edge; and a linear edge. Wherein an amount of chamfering relative to the first chamfer surface and the second chamfer surface is selectively chosen to distribute a cutting load or to reduce stress placed on the cutting apex. The method further includes placing the cutting element in the at least one socket of the boring body.
For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have generally been designated with like numerals, and wherein:
The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any particular cutting assembly, tool, or drill string, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description provides specific details of embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a thorough description thereof. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all elements to form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are not drawn to scale. Additionally, elements common between figures may have corresponding numerical designations.
As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.
As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “beneath,” “side,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of any cutting element when utilized in a conventional manner. Furthermore, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of any cutting element as illustrated in the drawings.
As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.
As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).
As used herein, the term “earth-boring tool” means and includes any type of bit or tool used for drilling during the formation or enlargement of a wellbore and includes, for example, rotary drill bits, percussion bits, core bits, eccentric bits, bi-center bits, reamers, mills, drag bits, roller-cone bits, hybrid bits, and other drilling bits and tools known in the art.
As used herein, the term polycrystalline diamond compact or “PDC” used in reference to cutters for drill bits means a cutting element attached, or to be attached, to a drill bit or another earth-boring tool. The cutting element includes a thin volume of polycrystalline diamond formed on a surface of a substrate. This thin volume may also be referred to as a “diamond table,” which is a superabrasive or superhard material and is generally thinner than a substrate volume on which it is formed or to which it is attached after formation. The diamond table may include synthetic, natural, or combinations of synthetic and natural diamond grains, crystals, or “grit” sintered together within the substrate. The substrate is formed of a hard, binding metal material or matrix, which often is tungsten carbide. The tungsten carbide cements the natural or synthetic diamonds together. The sintering occurs under high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) conditions in which interstitial elements of the substrate act similar to solvents for the carbon elements within the substrate. The interstitial elements include Group 9 transition metals. In embodiments, the interstitial elements include cobalt. In some instances, the diamond table is finished by an acid leaching process (e.g., using aqua regia) applied to a cutting face of the diamond table, substantially removing catalyst (i.e., solvent) interstitial elements from about 10 to 100 microns of polycrystalline diamond depth from the cutting face. Leaching may also be conducted along the side of the diamond table, below the leach depth on the cutting face. The remaining interstitial elements are not leached to provide stability and durability to remaining portions of the cutting element. It is important to note that leaching and non-leaching may affect the brittleness of the diamond table and an ability to adhere the diamond table to the substrate of the cutter, which is why the amount or depth of leaching is optimized herein.
As used herein, the term “cutter” or “cutting element” means a PDC volume and substrate volume formed as a three-dimensional (3D) shape, which is often cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, but can include other shapes such as pyramids, cones, cubes, triangular prisms, tetrahedrons, and combinations thereof. The PDC and substrate volumes are generally a unitary element, distinguished from each other during the formation of the respective volumes; however, these volumes can also be two separate, distinct volumes that are subsequently otherwise secured together after formation of each respective volume. The cutter or cutting element is often brazed or otherwise joined to a body for removing subterranean material from the borehole using the outer perimeter of the cutter. For example, the cutting element may be mounted to the body of a drill bit by press-fitting, locking, brazing, or otherwise fixing the cutter into a preformed pocket, socket, or receptacle and a semi-circular periphery edge of the cutter is used to bore into the earth.
As used herein, the term “stressful conditions” means problems or conditions encountered during drilling and well-boring that hinder a desired resultant parameter, such as DOC or ROP. For example, stressful conditions include unwanted drill bit vibration. This type of vibration can place imbalanced forces on the drill bit. Whirling, drilling bind, formation balling, and drill bit tilt may also be stressful conditions. Stressful conditions can also include increased tangential, shear, and/or axial forces exerted at points of a cutting edge, resulting in cracking or increased heat stress at the cutting edge.
As used herein, the term “dual chamfer” means two cutting separate and distinct surfaces adjacent each other and formed on a portion of a cutter or cutter element. In embodiments, the portion at which the dual chamfering is located is a facial surface of the diamond table of a cutter; however, other locations for the dual chamfering are contemplated herein, such as along the base of the cutter or along an edge of the substrate that is positioned axially opposite the cutting edge. The facial surface of the diamond table is perpendicular to a central axis of the cutter. In some embodiments, the chamfering may be performed during a machining process after the substrate and polycrystalline diamond volumes are formed. In other embodiments, the chamfering may occur as a result of a mold, a cast, or a laser process.
There are multiple types of drilling applications, including but not limited to, straight-hole, straight-hole rotary, motor- and rotary-steerable, and slimhole applications. Earth-boring tools are often tailored to the specific application. For example, the shape and dimension of a drill bit used may vary for straight-hole applications as compared to drill bits used for steerable applications.
Similarly, the specific earth-boring tool type is tailored to specific drilling circumstances. A drill bit may be chosen based on the drilling application, the formation and its characteristics, or combinations thereof. For example, drill bits may encounter formations including medium-to-hard, abrasive, rocky, fragmented, interbedded, and pressurized formations. Drill bits used for each of these different formations may vary depending on the formation and its characteristics, such as those encountering formation stratification, or the uneven variation between comparatively soft and hard formations.
In well-boring, the operator has multiple, real-time parameters that are adjusted under specific circumstances to achieve desired resultant parameters. For example, an operator may adjust weight-on-bit (WOB), torque, or RPMs to achieve a desired rate-of-penetration (ROP) or depth-of-cut (DOC). Some of the adjustable parameters are intentionally limited. For example, structures may be placed on drill bits to limit the DOC, and are sometimes referred to as depth-of-cut controls (DOCC). In some instances, the intentional limits prevent operators from unintentionally damaging drill bits by making adjustments that may or may not be appropriate according to the specific circumstances.
Additional real-time parameters include backrake and siderake angle adjustments to reduce the WOB sensitivity. Proper adjustments may reduce the stressful conditions placed on cutting elements during drilling, including torsional variance.
Improvements in the characteristics of cutting elements along with further improvements in cutting element efficiency and durability may be achieved in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Improvements in cutting edge geometry affects bit stability, durability and efficiency. Improvements include, but are not limited to, the use of dual chamfers to reduce loads seen on a cutting apex as compared to loads seen on cutting apexes with a single chamfer. Dual chamfers also distribute the loads more equally across the cutting face (e.g., putting the load on two planes instead of one). Dual chamfers also reduce temperatures (e.g., reducing thermal stress) seen at the cutting apex by improving cutting and debris evacuation from the cutting face. Without being bound by theory, these angle adjustments provided by the dual chamfers and the geometries discussed below help reduce axial and shear stress on an edge of a cutting element, thereby enabling increased torque, bit aggressiveness, and cutting element durability and lifespan.
Downhole earth-boring tools, having cutting elements that have novel geometries are described in further detail below. Additional improvements include an ability to tailor cutter elements for specific drilling applications, circumstances, tool types, drilling parameters, and combinations thereof. The tailoring of the cutter element can occur prior to drilling or after the drilling has commenced.
The barrel thickness of the primary chamfer surface 314 may range from 0.005 to 0.025 inches relative to (i.e., parallel to) a lateral side surface of the cutting element. In some embodiments, the barrel thickness of the primary chamfer surface 314 ranges from 0.007 to 0.02 inches relative to a lateral side surface of the cutting element. In other embodiments, the barrel thickness of the primary chamfer surface 314 ranges from 0.008 to 0.012 inches relative to a lateral side surface of the cutting element.
The barrel thickness of the secondary chamfer surface 318 may range from 0.010 to 0.040 inches relative to a lateral side surface of the cutting element. In some embodiments, the barrel thickness of the secondary chamfer surface 318 ranges from 0.015 to 0.03 inches relative to a lateral side surface of the cutting element. In other embodiments, the barrel thickness of the primary chamfer surface 314 ranges from 0.018 to 0.022 inches relative to a lateral side surface of the cutting element.
A ratio of the PDC volume 304 to the substrate volume may be from about 1:2 to about 1:25. In some embodiments, the ratio may be from about 1:2 to about 1:10. In other embodiments, the ratio may be from about 1:3 to about 1:6. A volume removed from the cutting element 300 to form a side flat 316 may be from about 2% to 20% of the total cutting element volume.
The substrate volume 306 includes a base 319 that is separated from the interface 310 by a majority (e.g., greater than 50%) of the substrate volume 306. In some embodiments, the base 319 has a circular circumference. In these embodiments, the circular circumference of the base 319 circumscribes each of the linear surfaces of the cutting edge 302 (i.e., if the circumference were vertically projected up onto the cutting face), including the edges of side flats 316. The base 319 may also include a single chamfer or a dual chamfer. It is important to note that the substrate volume 306 may take on various other shapes other than circular and cylindrical, such that the base would have forms with dimensions corresponding to the various shapes of the substrate volume.
The cutting face 308 may include different regions associated with a leach depth, resulting from one or more leaching processes. These leaching processes are discussed in greater detail in patent application Ser. No. 17/510,193, titled SELECTIVELY LEACHED THERMALLY STABLE CUTTING ELEMENT IN EARTH-BORING TOOLS, EARTH-BORING TOOLS HAVING SELECTIVELY LEACHED CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND RELATED METHODS, by Nicholas J. Lyons et al., which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.
Each of the surfaces of the cutting face 308 may be polished, or one or more of the surfaces of the cutting face 308 may be at least partially non-polished (e.g., lapped, but not polished). In addition, the cutting edge 302 may be at least partially (e.g., substantially) chamfered (e.g., beveled), may be at least partially (e.g., substantially) radiused (e.g., arcuate), may be partially chamfered and partially radiused, or may be non-chamfered and non-radiused. As shown in
A height (e.g., thickness) of the PDC volume 304 may be within a range of from about 0.3 millimeters (mm), to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the PDC volume ranges of from about 1.0 millimeters (mm), to about 4.5 mm. In other embodiments, the height of the PDC volume ranges from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm.
The PDC volume 404 includes a cutting face 408 that is circumscribed by a circle (see
PDC volume 404 and substrate volume 406 share longitudinal axis 412. As illustrated in
The optimal orientation for PDC cutting element 400 is to have the cutting edge 402 of the apex 420 at the end of the semi-cylindrical PDC volume 404 oriented towards the formation material. In other embodiments, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the cutting element 400 may be rotationally removed and rotated, such that the multiple, discrete chamfered surfaces 434 are oriented towards the formation material. After rotation, the cutting element is rotationally re-attached to resume drilling.
It is important to note that although
The front cutting face 708 includes a recessed surface 737 having a depth 740 relative to the front cutting face 708 and the depth or length of the total PDC cutting volume 704. The depth 740 may range from about 2% to about 50% of the depth of the PDC cutting volume 704. In some embodiments, the depth 740 may range from about 5% to about 30% of the depth of the PDC cutting volume 704. In other embodiments, the depth 740 may range from about 10% to about 20% of the depth of the PDC cutting volume 704. For example, the PDC cutting volume may be formed to extend from 1.0 to 5.0 mm in depth beneath the front cutting face 708, while the recessed surface 737 extends from 0.4 to 2.0 mm beneath the front cutting face 708. In some embodiments, the PDC cutting volume extends from 1.5 to 4.5 mm in depth beneath the front cutting face 708, while the recessed surface 737 extends from 0.1 to 1.3 mm beneath the front cutting face 708. In other embodiments, the PDC cutting volume extends from 2.0 to 4.0 mm in depth beneath the front cutting face 708, while the recessed surface 737 extends from 0.2 to 1.0 mm beneath the front cutting face 708.
The recessed surface 737 may be formed at or near a geometrical center of the front cutting face 708. In some embodiments, the recessed surface 737 includes at least two transition surfaces 742 and 744.
In other embodiments, the recessed surface 737 includes a first transition surface 742, a second transition surface 744, a third transition surface 746, and a fourth transition surface 748. The cutting apex 720 is in lateral alignment with the third transition surface 746, which curves about an angle. The curved angle of the third transition surface 746 ranges from about 80° to 100°, with a 2° to 10° variance, relative to a midpoint of the recessed surface 737, which is laterally aligned with apex 720. In some embodiments, the third transition surface 746 curves about an angle ranging from 84° to 96°, relative to a midpoint of the recessed surface. In other embodiments, the third transition surface 746 curves about an angle ranging from 82° to 92°, relative to a midpoint of the recessed surface.
The third transition surface 746, is positioned between, or intersects, the first transition surface 742 and the second transition surface 744. Positioned opposite the third transition surface 746, is the fourth transition surface 748, which is also non-linear. At least one of the transition surfaces 742, 744, 746, and 748 includes dual chamfered surfaces, sloping or tapering down to the depth 740 of the recessed surface 737. In other embodiments, one or more of the transition surfaces 742, 744, 746, and 748 is not chamfered. At least one of the transition surfaces 742 and 744 is linear, being substantially parallel with an edge of a side flat 716, while one or more of the transition surfaces 746 and 748 is non-linear. However, various other combinations of linear and non-linear transition surfaces are contemplated and included herein. For example, each of transition surfaces 742 and 744 may be non-linear, or curved to better approximate a flow of plastic, or semi-plastic, rock fragments that occurs during drilling.
Two side flat surfaces from each of the two pairs of dual side flats 816 are separated by respective angles that range from about 80° to 100°, with a 2° to 10° variance, relative to a midpoint of a respective cutting apex. In some embodiments, the separation angles range from 84° to 96°, relative to the midpoint of the respective cutting apex. In other embodiments, the separation angles range from 82° to 92°, relative to the midpoint of the respective cutting apex. The respective apexes include cutting apexes 820a, 820b, 820c, or 820d between a pair of dual side flats. For example, side flat 816a may be separated from the side flat 816h by 90 degrees, wherein 816a and 816b form a pair of side flats and 816g and 816h form a second pair of side flats. The angle of the planes of formation of each side flats 816a, 816b, 816c, 816d, 816e, 816f, 816g, 816h, respectively may range from 1° to 15°, with a 2° to 10° variance, relative to the midpoint formation line and a tangent line of the side flat. In some embodiments, the angle of each plane respectively may range from 1° to 15°, with a 2° to 10° variance, relative to the midpoint formation line and a tangent line of the side flat. In some embodiments, the angle of each plane may range from 2° to 10° relative to the midpoint formation line and the tangent line of the side flat. In other embodiments, the angle of each plane of formation of side flats 816a, 816b, 816c, 816d, 816e, 816f, 816g, 816h ranges from 3° to 7° relative to the midpoint formation line and the tangent line.
In some embodiments, the PDC volumes include diamond-containing material formed of and including diamond-containing agglomerates as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2021/0245244A1 (to Robertson), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety. Precursor diamond-containing agglomerates may include discrete diamond particles intermixed with a binder material and/or a wax material (e.g., paraffin wax or polyethylene glycol (PEG)). The precursor diamond-containing agglomerates may be sintered while exposing the precursor diamond-containing agglomerates to a quantity of catalyst material to form diamond-containing agglomerates. The diamond-containing agglomerates may include discrete quantities of polycrystalline and/or superabrasive material while inhibiting formation of inter-granular bonds among the agglomerates themselves. In some embodiments, the diamond-containing agglomerates may contain catalytic, non-advantageous metallic compounds or metallic phases (e.g., catalytic cobalt, catalytic iron, catalytic nickel). For example, the non-advantageous metallic compounds or metallic phases may not be leached from the diamond-containing agglomerates (e.g., “non-leached” diamond-containing agglomerates). In additional embodiments, the diamond-containing agglomerates may be at least substantially free of the non-advantageous metallic compounds or metallic phases. For example, the non-advantageous metallic compounds or metallic phases may be leached from the diamond-containing agglomerates (e.g., “leached” diamond-containing agglomerates).
Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the size, shape, and/or configuration of the bit may vary according to operational design parameters without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the invention may be practiced on non-rotary drill bits, the invention having applicability to any drilling-related structure including percussion, impact or “hammer” bits.
Step 1202 may include forming and shaping a cutting element to have a facial surface, two or more side flats, and a cutting edge. The cutting edge has a primary chamfered edge and a secondary chamfered edge.
Step 1202 may include intermediary steps 1204, 1206, and 1208. For example, when the cutting element is formed and/or shaped, the process of formation may include Step 1204, which may include forming a PDC volume and a substrate together in a generally cylindrical shape. This may include subjecting the volumes to a HTHP process.
Step 1206 may include forming a secondary chamfered edge in the PDC volume. For example, the side flats of the cutting element may be formed first in the cutting element by machining, grinding, or laser technologies; and then, the secondary chamfered edge may be formed. However, in some embodiments, the secondary chamfered edge may be formed before the side flats are formed in the cutting element. The secondary chamfered edge may be formed having an angle relative to a horizontal plane, a side surface, or an axis of the cutting element. In embodiments, the secondary chamfered edge may be formed having an angle relative to the side surface, or an axis that is parallel to the side surface, of the cutting element.
Step 1208 may include forming a primary chamfered edge in the PDC volume. For example, the side flats and the secondary chamfered edge of the cutting element may be formed first; and then, the primary chamfered edge may be formed in the cutting element by machining, grinding, or laser technologies. The primary chamfered edge may be formed having an angle relative to a horizontal plane, a side surface, or an axis of the cutting element. The primary chamfered edge may be formed having an angle relative to a horizontal plane that is parallel with the cutting face of the cutting element.
Step 1210 may include forming one or more sockets in the leading edge of the boring body. For example, a drill bit may include a blade that has a leading edge. Multiple sockets may be formed in an axial direction along the blade such that the cutting edges of multiple cutting elements may be oriented towards the formation to be drilled. It is important to note that while embodiments include forming a socket, recess, hole or similar formation to receive a cutting element, additional configurations are contemplated and included herein. For example, a cutting element may be directly secured to an earth-boring body without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Step 1212 may include securing a cutting element in a socket of the boring body. For example, a cutting element may be cemented, brazed, or otherwise fixed into the socket. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the socket may include a J-slot, such that the cutting element is removably secured within the socket of the boring body.
Step 1214 optionally may include rotatably removing the cutting element form the boring body when an edge, apex, or other feature of the cutting element is worn down on one side. After removal, the cutting element may be rotated such that another side, edge, apex, or non-worn feature faces the subterranean formation to be drilled. The cutting element may be reattached and oriented towards the formation material to be removed.
It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features of any of the illustrated embodiments may be combined with one or more features from another embodiment to form yet another combination within the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein. Thus, while certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the invention disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
Additional non-limiting example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.
Embodiment 1: A cutting element, comprising: a substrate; a volume of polycrystalline diamond (PDC) on the substrate, the volume of PDC having a front cutting face, a lateral side surface, and a cutting edge between the front cutting face and the lateral side surface, the cutting edge having a cutting apex and extending between a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface, the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface disposed on opposing sides of the cutting apex of the cutting edge, the cutting edge further including a first chamfer surface and a second chamfer surface, the first and second chamfer surfaces located adjacent to one another and oriented at a first angle relative to one another at the cutting apex, the cutting edge comprising one of: an arcuate edge having a radius of curvature; and a linear edge having at least two discrete linear edges adjacent one another and separated by a second angle.
Embodiment 2: The cutting element of Embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface tapers away from the lateral side surface at a third angle ranging from about 1° to 15° relative to the lateral side surface.
Embodiment 3: The cutting element of any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, in which the first angle ranges from about 35° to 55° relative to the lateral side surface.
Embodiment 4: The cutting element as in any one of the preceding Embodiments, in which the cutting edge comprises the linear edge having at least four discrete linear edges, a first at least two discrete linear edges positioned at the cutting apex and a second at least two discrete linear edges separated from the first at least two discrete linear edges by a side flat surface.
Embodiment 5: The cutting element of any one of the preceding Embodiments, in which the second chamfer surface has an edge extending between the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface with a radial dimension less than the radius of curvature.
Embodiment 6: The cutting element as in any one of the preceding Embodiments, in which at least one of the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface comprises a planar tapered surface that tapers to a midpoint formation line at a fourth angle ranging from about 1° to 15° relative to a tangent line.
Embodiment 7: The cutting element of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising: a recessed surface, the recessed surface being recessed at a depth relative to the front cutting face of the volume of PDC.
Embodiment 8: The cutting element of Embodiment 7, further comprising: a first transition surface; and a second transition surface, wherein at least one of the first and second transition surfaces is oriented parallel to an edge of a side flat surface.
Embodiment 9: The cutting element of Embodiment 8, further comprising: a third transition surface between and intersecting each of the first transition surface and the second transition surface.
Embodiment 10: The cutting element of Embodiment 8, further comprising: an additional chamfer surface connected adjacent to an edge of a side flat surface, wherein the additional chamfer surface is substantially parallel to the edge of the side flat surface.
Embodiment 11: The cutting element of Embodiment 9, further comprising: a fourth transition surface, wherein at least one of the first transition surface, the second transition surface, the third transition surface, and the fourth transition surface is non-linear and tapers from the front cutting face to the depth of the recessed surface.
Embodiment 12: An earth-boring tool, comprising: a boring body; a cutting element secured to the boring body, the cutting element comprising: a substrate having a base and a substrate volume; a volume of polycrystalline diamond (PDC) on the substrate, the volume of PDC having a front cutting face, a lateral side surface, and a cutting edge between the front cutting face and the lateral side surface, the cutting edge having a cutting apex and extending between a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface, the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface disposed on opposing sides of the cutting apex of the cutting edge, the cutting edge oriented at a first angle relative to the lateral side surface, the cutting edge comprising one of: an arcuate edge having a radius of curvature; and a linear edge having at least two discrete linear edges adjacent one another and separated by a second angle; and an interface between the substrate and the volume of PDC, the interface being separated from the base of the substrate by a majority of the substrate volume.
Embodiment 13: The earth-boring tool of Embodiment 12, wherein the substrate volume is substantially cylindrical, the cutting edge comprises the linear edge having the at least two discrete linear edges, and the base has a circumference that circumscribes the at least two discrete linear edges of the cutting edge.
Embodiment 14: The earth-boring tool of any one of Embodiments 12 and 13, further comprising: a plurality of blades extending from one end of the boring body, at least one blade of the plurality of blades comprising a leading edge section oriented towards formation material.
Embodiment 15: The earth-boring tool of any one of the preceding Embodiments, in which the cutting element is removably secured to the boring body.
Embodiment 16: The earth-boring tool of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising: a plurality of cutting apexes; and wherein the plurality of cutting apexes comprises dual chamfer surfaces, and wherein one or more chamfer surfaces of the dual chamfer surfaces are adjacent the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface.
Embodiment 17: A method of manufacturing an earth-boring tool, comprising: forming a boring body; forming at least one socket in a leading edge section of the boring body; forming a cutting element for the at least one socket of the boring body; wherein forming the cutting element comprises: forming a substrate; forming a volume of polycrystalline diamond (PDC) on the substrate; shaping the volume of PDC and the substrate to have two or more side flat surfaces, a front cutting face, and a cutting apex; wherein shaping the volume of PDC and the substrate further comprises: disposing a first side flat surface and a second side flat surface of the two or more side flat surfaces on opposing sides of the cutting apex; forming a cutting edge to extend between the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface and to have a first chamfer surface and a second chamfer surface, the first and second chamfer surfaces located adjacent to one another and oriented at an angle relative to one another at the cutting apex, the cutting edge further formed to comprise one of: an arcuate edge; and a linear edge; wherein an amount of chamfering relative to the first chamfer surface and the second chamfer surface is selectively chosen to distribute a cutting load or to reduce stress placed on the cutting apex; and placing the cutting element in the at least one socket of the boring body.
Embodiment 18: The method of Embodiment 17, wherein shaping the volume of PDC and the substrate further comprises forming the first side flat surface and the second side flat surface before the first and second chamfer surfaces.
Embodiment 19: The method of any one of Embodiments 17 and 18, in which shaping the volume of PDC and the substrate further comprises forming the second chamfer surface before the first chamfer surface is formed.
Embodiment 20: The method of any one of the preceding Embodiments, in which placing the cutting element in the at least one socket of the boring body comprises removably securing the cutting element within a slot or a recess of a cutting element assembly.
The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.
