Abstract: An insert for a drill bit includes a base portion. In addition, the insert includes a formation engaging portion extending from the base portion. The formation engaging portion has a longitudinal axis and includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first lateral side extending from the first end to the second end, and a second lateral side extending from the first end to the second end, and an elongate crown extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end and laterally from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. The first lateral side comprises a first curved surface having a first radius of curvature in top view of the insert and the second lateral side includes a second curved surface having a second radius of curvature in top view of the insert. The first radius of curvature of the first curved surface is different than the second radius of curvature of the second curved surface.

Abstract: A nozzle for distributing drilling fluid from a drill bit has a central axis and includes a first end, a second end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. The radially inner surface defines a flow passage extending from the first end to the second end. The flow passage has a central axis, an inlet at the first end, an outlet at the second end, a first section extending from the inlet, and a second section extending from the outlet to the first section. In addition, the nozzle includes a side outlet extending radially from the radially outer surface to the radially inner surface. The side outlet extends axially from the second end and is contiguous with the outlet. The second section of the flow passage at least partially overlaps with the side outlet. The first section of the flow passage is curved as viewed in a cross-section of the nozzle taken in a reference plane containing the central axis of the nozzle and bisecting the side outlet.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a drill bit design, which specifies design parameters related to a plurality of cutter elements of the drill bit. The method also includes estimating a thermal impact value for the cutter elements based on the design parameters and one or more drilling parameters, and estimating a cooling capacity value for the cutter elements based on the design and one or more cooling parameters. Finally, the method includes presenting the thermal impact values or the cooling capacity values together or individually on a per cutter element basis or as a function of a geometrical or physical property of the cutter elements.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit includes a base portion. In addition, the insert includes a formation engaging portion extending from the base portion. The formation engaging portion has a longitudinal axis and includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first lateral side extending from the first end to the second end, and a second lateral side extending from the first end to the second end, and an elongate crown extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end and laterally from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. The first lateral side comprises a first curved surface having a first radius of curvature in top view of the insert and the second lateral side includes a second curved surface having a second radius of curvature in top view of the insert. The first radius of curvature of the first curved surface is different than the second radius of curvature of the second curved surface.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit includes a base portion having a central axis and a formation engaging portion. The formation engaging portion includes an elongate peaked ridge, a first flanking surface extending from the peaked ridge, and a second flanking surface extending from the peaked ridge. The first flanking surface is defined by a first curve rotated about a first axis and the second flanking surface is defined by a second curve rotated about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are disposed in a reference plane that bisects the base portion and contains the central axis of the base portion. The first axis is disposed at a first radius measured in the reference plane and the second axis is disposed at a second radius measured in the reference plane. The first radius is different from the second radius.

Abstract: A nozzle for distributing drilling fluid from a drill bit has a central axis and includes a first end, a second end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. The radially inner surface defines a flow passage extending from the first end to the second end. The flow passage has a central axis, an inlet at the first end, an outlet at the second end, a first section extending from the inlet, and a second section extending from the outlet to the first section. In addition, the nozzle includes a side outlet extending radially from the radially outer surface to the radially inner surface. The side outlet extends axially from the second end and is contiguous with the outlet. The second section of the flow passage at least partially overlaps with the side outlet. The first section of the flow passage is curved as viewed in a cross-section of the nozzle taken in a reference plane containing the central axis of the nozzle and bisecting the side outlet.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit includes a base portion having a central axis and a formation engaging portion. The formation engaging portion includes an elongate peaked ridge, a first flanking surface extending from the peaked ridge, and a second flanking surface extending from the peaked ridge. The first flanking surface is defined by a first curve rotated about a first axis and the second flanking surface is defined by a second curve rotated about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are disposed in a reference plane that bisects the base portion and contains the central axis of the base portion. The first axis is disposed at a first radius measured in the reference plane and the second axis is disposed at a second radius measured in the reference plane. The first radius is different from the second radius.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body and an internal plenum in the bit body. In addition, the drill bit includes a first flow passage extending from the internal plenum to a bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a nozzle assembly secured to the bit body at a downhole end of the flow passage. The nozzle assembly has a central axis and includes an outer sleeve and an inner nozzle extending axially through the outer sleeve. The inner nozzle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. The radially inner surface defines a second flow passage. The inner nozzle also includes a choke disposed along the second flow passage and a side outlet extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface.

Abstract: A drilling tool includes a pilot bit coupled to an eccentric reamer that has a reaming side and a stabilizing side. A fluid passageway extends between the reamer and the pilot bit, and the tool includes at least one upwardly-directed nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and positioned on the stabilizing side of the reamer. The reamer may include a plurality of angularly spaced blades on the reaming side that radially extend a first distance, the reamer blades being disposed within a first arcuate segment defined by the two most distant reamer blades. One or more stabilizing blades extend a second distance that is less than the first distance, the stabilization blades being disposed within a second arcuate segment defined by the two most distant reamer blades and that has the angular measure equal to 360 degrees minus the first arcuate segment.

Abstract: A self-directing nozzle of a drill bit of a downhole tool and method are disclosed. The drill bit with the nozzle may be used to form a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The drill bit has a passage for fluid to pass through. The nozzle includes a case positionable in the passage of the drill bit and a movable body movably positionable in the case. The movable body has a channel for passage of the fluid therethrough. The channel has a non-linear shape with a channel axis extending therethrough. The channel axis is curved to define a spiral flow path therethrough whereby the fluid passing through the channel facilitates rotation of the movable body within the passage of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body and an internal plenum in the bit body. In addition, the drill bit includes a first flow passage extending from the internal plenum to a bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a nozzle assembly secured to the bit body at a downhole end of the flow passage. The nozzle assembly has a central axis and includes an outer sleeve and an inner nozzle extending axially through the outer sleeve. The inner nozzle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. The radially inner surface defines a second flow passage. The inner nozzle also includes a choke disposed along the second flow passage and a side outlet extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface.

Abstract: A drilling tool includes a pilot bit coupled to an eccentric reamer that has a reaming side and a stabilizing side. A fluid passageway extends between the reamer and the pilot bit, and the tool includes at least one upwardly-directed nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and positioned on the stabilizing side of the reamer. The reamer may include a plurality of angularly spaced blades on the reaming side that radially extend a first distance, the reamer blades being disposed within a first arcuate segment defined by the two most distant reamer blades. One or more stabilizing blades extend a second distance that is less than the first distance, the stabilization blades being disposed within a second arcuate segment defined by the two most distant reamer blades and that has the angular measure equal to 360 degrees minus the first arcuate segment.

Abstract: A self-directing nozzle of a drill bit of a downhole tool and method are disclosed. The drill bit with the nozzle may be used to form a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The drill bit has a passage for fluid to pass through. The nozzle includes a case positionable in the passage of the drill bit and a movable body movably positionable in the case. The movable body has a channel for passage of the fluid therethrough. The channel has a non-linear shape with a channel axis extending therethrough. The channel axis is curved to define a spiral flow path therethrough whereby the fluid passing through the channel facilitates rotation of the movable body within the passage of the drill bit.