Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods are provided which include analyzing the drillability of a subterranean formation and a database of performance characteristics for drilling bits to facilitate bit design optimization and selection for that formation. Using component subterranean formation data, computer models can be generated for the drillability of a target section in terms of physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties, and for postulated suitable drilling bit performance characteristics based on physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties of the target section. The drilling bit performance characteristics are then updated by quantifying effects of the drilling system to be employed. Each performance characteristic can be normalized and plotted on its own axis for easy comparison. Next, a candidate drilling bit design is selected from a library of computer models of drilling bit characteristics for a suite of drilling bit designs.

Abstract: Method to estimate severity of downhole vibration for a drill tool assembly, including: identifying a dataset comprising selected drill tool assembly parameters; selecting a reference level of downhole vibration amplitude for the drill tool assembly; identifying a surface drilling parameter and calculating a reference surface vibration attribute for the selected reference level of downhole vibration amplitude; determining a surface parameter vibration attribute derived from at least one surface measurement or observation obtained in a drilling operation, the determined surface parameter vibration attribute corresponding to the identified surface drilling parameter; and estimating a downhole vibration severity indicator by evaluating the determined surface parameter vibration attribute with respect to the identified reference surface vibration attribute.

Abstract: Method to estimate severity of downhole vibration for a wellbore drill tool assembly, comprising: identifying a dataset comprising selected drill tool assembly parameters; selecting a reference level of downhole vibration index for the drill tool assembly; identifying a surface drilling parameter and calculating a reference surface vibration attribute for the selected reference level of downhole vibration index; determining a surface parameter vibration attribute derived from at least one surface measurement or observation obtained in a drilling operation, the determined surface parameter vibration attribute corresponding to the identified surface drilling parameter; and estimating a downhole vibration index severity indicator by evaluating the determined surface parameter vibration attribute with respect to the identified reference surface vibration attribute.

Abstract: A drill string component includes a box-end and a pin-end. Each end includes a signal transceiver, which are operably coupled together. Each signal transceiver communicates with another signal transceiver in another component to form a communication network in the drillstring. An end-cap may be placed in the central bore of the pin-end of a component to form an annular chamber between a side of the end-cap and a wall of the central bore of the pin-end when the end-cap is disposed in the central bore. In some embodiments, an electronics module may be placed in the annular chamber and configured to communicate with one of the signal transceivers. Accelerometer data, as well as other sensor data, at various locations along the drillstring may be sampled by the electronics module and communicated to a remote computer. Drillstring motion dynamics, such as vibration, may be determined based on the accelerometer data.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with a state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises at least one sensor, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to filter information derived from sensor data in the drill bit to develop a piecewise polynomial curve of the sensor data. Filtering information derived from the sensor data comprises approximating a first derivative of a sensor data waveform, calculating a plurality of zeros for the first derivative of the sensor data waveform, and fitting a cubic polynomial between adjacent zeros calculated from the first derivative of the sensor data waveform resulting in a piecewise cubic polynomial.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data-sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for supporting a drill bit for repair. The spindle assembly includes a plurality of stepped segments of ever-decreasing diameter above a base, each segment sized to be received in a bore of a service cap inserted in the shank of a bit to be repaired. An end-cap for carrying an electronics module includes an end-cap body comprising a bore of similar diameter to the service cap bore diameter, but having one or more lugs protruding radially thereinto to prevent a spindle segment from entering the end cap bore so that the drill bit cannot be supported on the spindle.

Abstract: A cutting element for use in drilling subterranean formations. The cutting element includes a superabrasive table mounted to a supporting substrate. The superabrasive table includes a two-dimensional cutting face having a cutting edge along at least a portion of its periphery, and a surface comprising a chamfer extending forwardly and inwardly from proximate a peripheral cutting edge at a first acute angle of orientation of greater than about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cutting element, and to no greater than a selected depth. The chamfer may be arcuate or planar, and of a dimension sufficient to ensure that a wear flat generated during use of the cutting element remains outside the inner boundary of the chamfer within the chamfer envelope, and small enough to maintain aggressive cutting characteristics for the cutter. Drill bits and drilling tools bearing the cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill string component includes a box-end and a pin-end. Each end includes a signal transceiver, which are operably coupled together. Each signal transceiver communicates with another signal transceiver in another component to form a communication network in the drillstring. An end-cap may be placed in the central bore of the pin-end of a component to form an annular chamber between a side of the end-cap and a wall of the central bore of the pin-end when the end-cap is disposed in the central bore. In some embodiments, an electronics module may be placed in the annular chamber and configured to communicate with one of the signal transceivers. Accelerometer data, as well as other sensor data, at various locations along the drillstring may be sampled by the electronics module and communicated to a remote computer. Drillstring motion dynamics, such as vibration, may be determined based on the accelerometer data.

Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods are provided which include analyzing the drillability of a subterranean formation and a database of performance characteristics for drilling bits to facilitate bit design optimization and selection for that formation. Using component subterranean formation data, computer models can be generated for the drillability of a target section in terms of physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties, and for postulated suitable drilling bit performance characteristics based on physical, mechanical, and micro-structural properties of the target section. The drilling bit performance characteristics are then updated by quantifying effects of the drilling system to be employed. Each performance characteristic can be normalized and plotted on its own axis for easy comparison. Next, a candidate drilling bit design is selected from a library of computer models of drilling bit characteristics for a suite of drilling bit designs.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyzing the sensor data to develop a severity index, comparing the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modifying a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with a state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises at least one sensor, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to filter information derived from sensor data in the drill bit to develop a piecewise polynomial curve of the sensor data. Filtering information derived for the sensor data comprises approximating a first derivative of a sensor data waveform, calculating a plurality of zeros for the first derivative of the sensor data waveform, and fitting a cubic polynomial between adjacent zeros calculated from the first derivative of the sensor data waveform resulting in a piecewise cubic polynomial.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyzing the sensor data to develop a severity index, comparing the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modifying a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyzing the sensor data to develop a severity index, comparing the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modifying a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, comparing the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modifying a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: A cutting element for use in drilling subterranean formations. The cutting element includes a superabrasive table mounted to a supporting substrate. The superabrasive table includes a two-dimensional cutting face having a cutting edge along at least a portion of its periphery, and a surface comprising a chamfer extending forwardly and inwardly from proximate a peripheral cutting edge at a first acute angle of orientation of greater than about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cutting element, and to no greater than a selected depth. The chamfer may be arcuate or planar, and of a dimension sufficient to ensure that a wear flat generated during use of the cutting element remains outside the inner boundary of the chamfer within the chamfer envelope, and small enough to maintain aggressive cutting characteristics for the cutter. Drill bits and drilling tools bearing the cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.