Abstract: The force modulation system for a drill bit includes a cutter, a blade cap, a cap retention device, and a first force member. The cutter or cutters fit in the blade cap, and the blade cap fits to the drill bit. The cap retention device exerts a cap retention force in a first direction. The first force member exerts a first force in a second direction. The cutting profile of the force modulation system is now variable in more than one direction so as to avoid excessive forces from more than one direction for each cutter on the blade cap. There can also be a second force member to exert a second force in the first direction for more variability of the cutting profile in the first direction and a third force member to exert a third force in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: The force modulation system for a drill bit includes a cutter, a holder, a holder retention device, and a first force member. The cutter fits in the holder, and the holder fits in the drill bit. The holder retention device exerts a holder retention force in a first direction. The first force member exerts a first force in a second direction. The second direction is angled offset to the first direction so as that the cutting profile of the force modulation system is now variable in the second direction, according to the first force. There can also be a second force member to exert a second force in the first direction for more variability of the cutting profile in the first direction. The second force member can be made integral with the first force member.

Abstract: The force modulation system for a drill bit includes a cutter, a holder, a holder retention device, and a first force member made of a first woven material. The cutter fits in the holder, and the holder fits in the drill bit. The holder retention device exerts a holder retention force in a first direction. The first force member exerts a first force in a second direction. The second direction is angled offset to the first direction so as that a cutting profile of the force modulation system is variable. There can also be a second force member of a second woven material to exert a second force in the first direction for more variability of the cutting profile in the first direction. The second force member can be made integral with the first force member, including the first woven material and the second woven material being the same material.

Abstract: The force modulation system for a drill bit includes a cutter, a blade cap, a cap retention device, and a first force member. The cutter or cutters fit in the blade cap, and the blade cap fits to the drill bit. The cap retention device exerts a cap retention force in a first direction. The first force member exerts a first force in a second direction. The cutting profile of the force modulation system is now variable in more than one direction so as to avoid excessive forces from more than one direction for each cutter on the blade cap. There can also be a second force member to exert a second force in the first direction for more variability of the cutting profile in the first direction and a third force member to exert a third force in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: Nano- and micro-particles (NMP) can be formed from an oil/water emulsion. The emulsion is made by mixing a liquid solvent, at least one surfactant, a particle-forming compound, and at least curing agent. If desired, pH control agents and viscosity enhancers can be added to the liquid solvent. The particle-forming compound and the curing agents are mixed together and form the oil phase in the emulsion and after curing, the particles are formed. The nano- and micro-particles can be used as proppant to enhance the conductivity of nano- and microfractures and fluid-loss-control additive for hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: A shale inhibitor to improve the application of water-based drilling fluid in the shale formation rock is provided. An embodiment of the shale inhibitor is the reaction product of an amine, such as triethanolamine, and epichlorihydrin in water solution. Another embodiment of the shale inhibitor is the reaction product of triethanolamine, epichlorihydrin, and hypophosphorous acid. It is highly effective and has a better performance than most commercial products on preventing the disintegration and swelling of the shale formation.