Abstract: A departure device couples to a bit using a connector that facilitates release of the bit from the departure device. The connector may be more millable than the departure device and can transmit axial and torque loads between the bit and the departure device. The connector may include a material having lesser strength or hardness than the departure device, and may be millable by the bit. Another example connector may have connection points with the bit, and a movable member of the departure device may a force to the connector and contribute to releasing the connection between the bit and the departure device. A tensile connector between the bit and the movable member may apply a tension force to the movable member, urging the movable member toward an extended position in which the movable member is aligned coherently with a sloped face of the departure device.

Abstract: A milling tool includes a milling arm with a rotatable cutting element positioned on the milling arm. The rotatable cutting element may be fixed longitudinally and radially relative to a rotational axis of the rotatable cutting element in the milling arm while being rotatable about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections that provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling.

Abstract: A departure device couples to a bit using a connector that facilitates release of the bit from the departure device. The connector may be more millable than the departure device and can transmit axial and torque loads between the bit and the departure device. The connector may include a material having lesser strength or hardness than the departure device, and may be millable by the bit. Another example connector may have connection points with the bit, and a movable member of the departure device may a force to the connector and contribute to releasing the connection between the bit and the departure device. A tensile connector between the bit and the movable member may apply a tension force to the movable member, urging the movable member toward an extended position in which the movable member is aligned coherently with a sloped face of the departure device.

Abstract: A cutting element for use with a bit may include an obtuse cutting edge. The cutting edge may be formed between a cutting face and a slanted face of the cutting element. The obtuse cutting edge may be pre-formed in the cutting element for use with a bit used to mill a window in casing and/or drill a deviated borehole. The cutting element may be positioned on the bit as a trailing cutting element, and oriented to cause the obtuse cutting edge to engage casing and/or a rock formation.

Abstract: Systems facilitate forming lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The systems provide for forming a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and/or the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The systems also facilitate improved downhole dynamics control and overall bottom hole assembly functionality.

Abstract: A cutting element for use with a bit may include an obtuse cutting edge. The cutting edge may be formed between a cutting face and a slanted face of the cutting element. The obtuse cutting edge may be pre-formed in the cutting element for use with a bit used to mill a window in casing and/or drill a deviated borehole. The cutting element may be positioned on the bit as a trailing cutting element, and oriented to cause the obtuse cutting edge to engage casing and/or a rock formation.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections that provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections which provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis and a cutting face, a plurality of blades spaced azimuthally about the cutting face and extending at least laterally through a gage region, and a plurality of cutters disposed along the blades. At least two different types of back reaming elements may be disposed on a transitional surface between the gage region of at least one blade and a connection end of the cutting tool. Alternatively, at least one back reaming element may be disposed on a transitional surface between the gage region of at least one blade and a connection end of the cutting tool, and a wear resistant material provided on or in the transitional surface.

Abstract: Systems facilitate forming lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The systems provide for forming a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and/or the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The systems also facilitate improved downhole dynamics control and overall bottom hole assembly functionality.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system and method provide for drilling a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The system and method also facilitate better downhole dynamics control and improved overall bottom hole assembly functionality during drilling.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A method for applying a wear reducing material to a tool used in a wellbore operation that includes welding a hardfacing alloy to a surface of the tool, wherein the welding comprises friction stirring the alloy into the tool's surface is disclosed. Methods of welding a preformed sleeve or width of wear reducing material using friction stirring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections which provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures, including one or more disclosed herein, may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system and method provide for drilling a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The system and method also facilitate better downhole dynamics control and improved overall bottom hole assembly functionality during drilling.

Abstract: The invention provides a fixed cutter drill bit for drilling through unconsolidated, highly abrasive formations. The bit includes a bit body having a cutting face and a side portion. The bit body comprising carbide matrix material. A plurality of blades azimuthally spaced about the cutting face and a plurality of cutters disposed along the blades. At least one gage pad is disposed along a side of the bit body and includes wear resistant gage elements formed of a material more wear resistant than the matrix material forming a portion of the gage pad. The wear resistant elements have a rounded surface and are embedded in gage pad material proximal a leading edge of the gage pad to provide a rounded wear-resistant edge or surface proximal the leading edge.

Abstract: The invention provides a fixed cutter drill bit for drilling through unconsolidated, highly abrasive formations. The bit includes a bit body having a cutting face and a side portion. The bit body comprising carbide matrix material. A plurality of blades azimuthally spaced about the cutting face and a plurality of cutters disposed along the blades. At least one gage pad is disposed along a side of the bit body and includes wear resistant gage elements formed of a material more wear resistant than the matrix material forming a portion of the gage pad. The wear resistant elements have a rounded surface and are embedded in gage pad material proximal a leading edge of the gage pad to provide a rounded wear-resistant edge or surface proximal the leading edge.