EARTH-BORING TOOLS INCLUDING INERTIA MODIFYING MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

An earth-boring tool includes a tool body including at least one blade and a center longitudinal axis extending through the tool body. The tool body includes a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The earth-boring tool includes at least one inertia modifying member, each inertia modifying member disposed at least partially within an inertia modification zone of the tool body. The at least one inertia modifying member includes a second material exhibiting a second volumetric density different than the first density. Related earth-boring tools, adapters, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to earth-boring tools and related methods. More specifically, disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses for modifying a rotational inertia of earth-boring tools, and to related earth-boring tools, adapters, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Wellbores are formed in subterranean formations for various purposes including, for example, extraction of oil and gas and extraction of geothermal heat from the subterranean formation. Wellbores may be formed in a subterranean formation using a drill bit such as, for example, an earth-boring rotary drill bit. Different types of earth-boring rotary drill bits are known in the art including, for example, fixed-cutter bits (which are often referred to in the art as “drag” bits), rolling-cutter bits (which are often referred to in the art as “rock” bits), diamond-impregnated bits, and hybrid bits (which may include, for example, both fixed cutters and rolling cutters). The drill bit is rotated and advanced into the subterranean formation. As the drill bit rotates, the cutters or abrasive structures thereof cut, crush, shear, and/or abrade away the formation material to form the wellbore. A diameter of the wellbore drilled by the drill bit may be defined by the cutting structures disposed at the largest outer diameter of the drill bit.

The drill bit is coupled, either directly or indirectly, for example through a downhole motor, steering assembly, adapter, and other components, 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 the formation. Often various tools and components, including downhole sensors, imaging devices, and 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 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, as previously mentioned. The downhole motor may comprise, for example, a hydraulic Moineau-type motor having a shaft, to which the drill bit is coupled, which 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 inner surface of the wellbore.

During drilling, undesirable vibrations in the drill string can occur. These vibrations can result in damage to the drill bit, and other components of the bottom hole assembly and drill string. Vibrations can also reduce the efficiency of the drilling process.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an earth-boring tool includes a tool body including at least one blade and a center longitudinal axis extending through the tool body. The tool body includes a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The earth-boring tool includes at least one inertia modifying member, each inertia modifying member disposed at least partially within an inertia modification zone of the tool body. The at least one inertia modifying member includes a second material exhibiting a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density.

In additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of modifying rotational inertia of an earth-boring tool, the earth-boring tool including a tool body including a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The method includes providing at least one inertia modifying member within an inertia modification zone defined by a first diameter of the earth-boring tool and a second diameter of the earth-boring tool. The at least one inertia modifying member includes a second material having a second volumetric density which is different than the first volumetric density. The at least one inertia modifying member includes one or more of an inertia plate, a lateral plug, a longitudinal plug, an inertia bridge, a blade insert, and a nozzle.

In yet further embodiments of the present disclosure, an earth-boring tool includes a tool body including at least one blade and a center longitudinal axis extending through the tool body. The tool body exhibits a first volumetric density. The earth-boring tool further includes an inertia modification zone defined within the tool body, the inertia modification zone exhibiting a hollow cylindrical shape defined by a first diameter of the tool body and a second diameter of the tool body. The earth-boring tool includes one or more of: at least one inertia modifying member disposed at least partially within the inertia modification zone, the at least one inertia modifying member exhibiting a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density, and at least one conduit disposed at least partially within the inertia modification zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling system including one or more earth-boring tools, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an earth-boring tool that may be used with the drilling system of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the earth-boring tool of FIG. 2, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the earth-boring tool of FIG. 2, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the earth-boring tool of FIG. 7A, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A through 10D are longitudinal cross-sectional views of adapters, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A through 11C are longitudinal cross-sectional views of steering adapters, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a graphical representation of simulation results of a first earth-boring tool operated with different rotational inertias; and

FIG. 12B is a graphical representation of simulation results of a second earth-boring tool, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, operated with different rotational inertias.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any particular earth-boring tool, adapter, steering adapter, component, or system, but are merely idealized representations, which are employed to describe embodiments of the present invention.

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 drill bit or bottom hole assembly when utilized in a conventional manner. Furthermore, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of any drill bit, adaptor, or steering adapter 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, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” 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.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling system 10 that may utilize one or more embodiments of an earth-boring tool and methods disclosed herein for drilling wellbores in a subterranean formation. The drilling system 10 may include an earth-boring tool, such as earth-boring tool 100, which is advanced through a subterranean formation by being rotated from an assembly on the surface. The drilling system 10 includes a drilling rig 11, which may include a derrick 12, a derrick floor 14, a draw works 16, a hook 18, a swivel 20, a Kelly joint 22, and a rotary table 24. A drill string 30, which may include drill pipe sections 32 and drill collar sections 34, extends downward from the drilling rig 11 into a wellbore 40. Various components of the distal end of the drill string 30, including the earth-boring tool 100, are collectively referred to in the industry as a “bottom hole assembly” (BHA) 50. The BHA 50 may include a number of measurement and analysis systems, such as a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) system or a logging-while-drilling (LWD) system. These systems may include various sensors for taking measurements.

During drilling operations, drilling fluid or “mud” may be circulated from a source 60 of drilling fluid through a fluid pump 62, through a desurger 64, and through a fluid supply line 66 into the swivel 20. The drilling fluid flows through the Kelly joint 22 into an axial central bore in the drill string 30. The fluid exits the drill string 30 via the earth-boring tool 100. More specifically, the fluid exits the earth-boring tool 100 through fluid ports or nozzles on a distal end of the earth-boring tool 100 near the point of contact with the subterranean formation. Upon exiting the earth-boring tool 100, the drilling fluid flows toward the surface of the formation through an annular space 42 between the outer surface of the drill string 30 and the inner surface of the wellbore 40. Upon reaching the surface, the fluid is returned to the fluid source 60 through a fluid return line 68.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an earth-boring tool 100 that may be used with the drilling system 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The earth-boring tool 100 specifically depicted in FIG. 2 is configured as a fixed-cutter earth-boring rotary drill bit. However, in other embodiments, the earth-boring tool 100 described herein may be configured as, for example, a roller cone drill bit, a percussion bit, a core bit, an eccentric bit, a bicenter bit, a reamer, an expandable reamer, a mill, a hybrid bit, or any other drilling bit or tool known in the art. The earth-boring tool 100 may comprise a tool body 110 including a neck 112, a shank 114 and a crown 116. The bulk of the tool body 110 may comprise a metal alloy, such as, for example, a steel alloy. In some embodiments, the bulk of the tool body 110 is formed of and includes a steel alloy. The tool body 110 may comprise any other suitable material, such as, for example, a particle-matrix composite material including hard particles (e.g., tungsten carbide particles) embedded within a metal matrix material (e.g., a bronze alloy). In such embodiments, the tool body 110 may be formed using conventional machining processes (e.g., turning, milling, and/or drilling) to form the tool body 110 from a blank volume of the metal alloy (e.g., a billet). If the tool body 110 comprises a material that is difficult to machine, the tool body 110 may be formed using, for example, a casting process in a mold. The tool body 110 may be formed by casting molten material in the mold. The tool body 110 may then be removed from the mold to form the earth-boring tool 100.

The tool body 110 may have an axial center defining a center longitudinal axis 118 that may generally coincide with a rotational axis of the earth-boring tool 100. The center longitudinal axis 118 of the tool body 110 may extend in a direction hereinafter referred to as an “axial direction.” When used with the drilling system 10 of FIG. 1, the center longitudinal axis 118 may extend through the entire BHA 50 and all the components thereof.

The tool body 110 may be configured to couple the earth-boring tool 100 to a drill string (e.g., the drill string 30, shown in FIG. 1). For example, the neck 112 of the tool body 110 may have threads thereon configured to connect the earth-boring tool 100 to the drill string (e.g., the drill string 30, shown in FIG. 1).

The crown 116 may include at least one blade 120. Each of the blades 120 may extend longitudinally and radially outward from the center longitudinal axis 118 of the tool body 110. The tool body 110 may be formed of and comprise a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The first volumetric density may be within a range of from about 1 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, within a range of from about 3 g/cm³ to about 20 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³. The blades 120 may define channels 122 (e.g., junk slots) in between one another as they extend from a distal end 101 of the earth-boring tool 100 toward a proximal end 126 of the earth-boring tool 100. Each blade 120 may comprise an inner cone region 128, a nose region 130 (at a most distal point of the earth-boring tool 100), a shoulder region 132, and a gauge region 134. The gauge regions 134 of the blades 120 may define a largest diameter of the earth-boring tool 100, and hence a diameter of a wellbore formed by the earth-boring tool 100. Each gauge region 134 may have a distal end 136 and a proximal end 138. The distal end 136 of each gauge region 134 may be adjacent to the shoulder region 132 of the blade 120. At the proximal end 138 of each gauge region 134, a proximal end surface 140 of the respective blade 120 may extend radially inwardly toward the center longitudinal axis 118 of the tool body 110. The proximal end surfaces 140 of the blades 120 may not be in contact with a subterranean formation during drilling. The gauge regions 134 of the blades 120 may be in sliding contact with a subterranean formation during drilling. The gauge regions 134 may be provided with a hard-facing material or wear-resistant inserts 142 to reduce wear and extend the operational life of the earth-boring tool 100.

On the distal end 101 of the earth-boring tool 100, a plurality of cutting elements 144 may be secured within cutting element pockets 146 formed at a rotationally leading edge of each blade 120. The plurality of cutting elements 144 may comprise polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutting elements. However, the plurality of cutting elements 144 may include any suitable cutting element configurations and materials for drilling and/or enlarging wellbores.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the earth-boring tool 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the earth-boring tool 100 of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B together, the earth-boring tool 100 may include an inertia modification zone 148. The inertia modification zone 148 may extend along the earth-boring tool 100 in the axial direction. In some embodiments, the inertia modification zone 148 exhibits a hollow cylindrical shape defined by a first diameter 150 of the earth-boring tool 100 and a second diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. A cross-sectional thickness of the inertia modification zone 148 may be defined by the absolute value of the difference between the first diameter 150 and the second diameter 152. However, the inertia modification zone 148 may exhibit any desired dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness) and any desired shape, such as one of a cubic shape, a cuboidal shape, a tubular shape, a tubular spiral shape, a spherical shape, a semi-spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, a conical shape, a triangular prismatic shape, a truncated version of one or more of the foregoing, or an irregular shape.

In some embodiments, the inertia modification zone 148 includes an outermost peripheral portion of the earth-boring tool 100. A rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be modified (e.g., controlled) by selecting desired properties (e.g., physical properties, chemical properties, mechanical properties) of the earth-boring tool 100 within the inertia modification zone 148. The inertia modification zone 148 may extend along a length of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1) including the earth-boring tool 100. In other words, the inertia modification zone 148 may comprise one or more components of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1).

The rotational inertia “I” of a simple system, comprised of discrete mass points, may be calculated using the following equation:

$\begin{array}{cc}I=\sum m_i{r}_i^2& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

In Equation 1 above, the variable mi is the mass of each discrete mass point and r_i is the radial distance from an axis of rotation of each discrete mass point. The radial distance from the axis of rotation of the discrete mass points has an exponential relationship with the rotational inertia of the system. Accordingly, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be selectively adjusted by changing the mass (e.g., changing the material and, hence, density, changing a proportion of mass) of the earth-boring tool 100 within the inertia modification zone 148 and/or changing a distance of at least a portion of the mass of the earth-boring tool 100 from an axis of rotation (e.g., the center longitudinal axis 118).

The inertia modification zone 148 of the earth-boring tool 100 exhibits a substantially hollow cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction along the earth-boring tool 100 and defined by the first diameter 150 and the second diameter 152. The rotational inertia of such a shape may be understood through a modified version of Equation 1, shown below as Equation 2, where r₁ is half of the first diameter 150 and r₂ is half of the second diameter 152.

$\begin{array}{cc}I=m*\frac{r_2^2+r_1^2}{2}& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

The variable m is the mass of the hollow cylindrical shape and is calculated using Equation 3 below.

$\begin{array}{cc}m=\frac{\rho l\pi \left(r_2^2-r_1^2\right)}{4}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

The mass equation (Equation 3) includes considerations for density (ρ) and length (l). As shown by Equations (2) and (3), for the hollow cylindrical shape of the inertia modification zone 148, rotational inertia may be directly influenced by a density within the inertia modification zone 148, a length of the earth-boring tool 100, and a distance of at least a portion of the mass within the inertia modification zone 148 from the axis of rotation (e.g., the center longitudinal axis 118). By way of non-limiting example, for the hollow cylindrical shape of the inertia modification zone 148, rotational inertia may be increased by increasing an amount of mass (e.g., percentage of total mass) present within the inertia modification zone 148 or decreased by decreasing an amount of mass present within the inertia modification zone 148. Further, it may be noted that modifying the radius or diameter of the hollow cylindrical shape changes the rotational inertia. As a non-limiting example, increasing an inner diameter 150 (e.g., a diameter of an inner cavity) of the earth-boring tool 100, as shown in FIG. 3B, and maintaining an outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100, would necessarily result in a higher percentage of the mass of the earth-boring tool 100 being within the inertia modification zone 148, and therefore, would increase the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100.

In some embodiments, the earth-boring tool 100 includes one or more inertia modifying members disposed within the inertia modification zone 148. The inertia modifying members may be disposed at any location within the inertia modification zone 148 of the earth-boring tool 100. The inertia modifying members may comprise a relatively dense material disposed within the inertia modification zone 148 to increase the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100. The inertia modifying members may exhibit a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density. The second volumetric density may be within a range of from about 1 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, a range of from about 4 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 15 g/cm³. In some embodiments, the second volumetric density may be greater than or equal to about 8 g/cm³. An absolute value of a difference between the first volumetric density and the second volumetric density may be at least about 1 g/cm³, such as within a range of from about 1 g/cm³ to about 24 g/cm³, or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 15 g/cm³. The inertia modifying members may comprise one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the inertia modifying members is formed of and includes a different material than at least one other inertia modifying member. In other embodiments, each inertia modifying member of the earth-boring tool 100 comprises the same material. In some embodiments, at least one of the inertia modifying members exhibits a second volumetric density different than at least one other inertia modifying member. In other embodiments, each inertia modifying member of the earth-boring tool 100 exhibits the same second volumetric density. The rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by selectively tailoring the size, location, and composition of the inertia modifying members within inertia modification zone 148 of the earth-boring tool 100.

In other embodiments, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by one or more of modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100, modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the inner diameter 150 (e.g., a diameter of an inner cavity) of the earth-boring tool 100, modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) a thickness of the blades 120, and modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) a distance between the distal 101 and proximal ends 126 of the earth-boring tool 100. At least substantially similar methods of inertia modification to those discussed with reference to an earth-boring tool (e.g., earth-boring tool 100) may be used to modify the rotational inertia of other components of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1). By way of non-limiting example, one or more adapters of a BHA may be modified by at least substantially similar methods to those discussed with reference to an earth-boring tool (e.g., earth-boring tool 100) to modify the rotational inertia of the one or more adapters. It is noted that any of the disclosed methods of inertia modification may be used together or separately. By way of non-limiting example, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be selectively modified by including one or more inertia modifying members within the inertia modification zone 148 and/or modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) one or more of the inner diameter 150 and the outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100.

The inertia modifying members may be configured to selectively adjust a lateral imbalance force acting on the earth-boring tool 100. For example, when all forces acting on an earth-boring tool 100 during drilling are summed, a net lateral force (e.g., an imbalance force) acting on the earth-boring tool 100 may be advantageous for certain applications. In some embodiments, the inertia modifying members are configured to impart one or more lateral imbalance forces to the earth-boring tool 100 during a drilling operation. In other embodiments, the inertia modifying members are configured to compensate for (e.g., negate) lateral imbalance forces imparted to the earth-boring tool 100 during a drilling operation.

Inertia modifying members may include one or more of inertia plates, lateral plugs, longitudinal plugs, an inertia bridge, blade inserts, conduits, and nozzles. As described in further detail below, one or more inertia plates may be disposed on one or more blades 120, an inertia bridge apparatus may be adjacent to and in contact with the tool body 110 on the proximal end 126 of the earth-boring tool 100, one or more blade inserts may be disposed within one or more blades 120, and/or one or more lateral plugs may be disposed in one or more blades 120 and/or the tool body 110. In some embodiments, at least substantially similar inertia modifying members to those disclosed with reference to an earth-boring tool (e.g., earth-boring tool 100) are disposed within or attached to one or more other components of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 is selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by modifying one or more of the inner diameter 150 of the earth-boring tool 100 and the outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100. For example, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be increased by increasing the outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool 100. By increasing the outer diameter 152 of the earth-boring tool, a percentage of total system mass that falls within the inertia modification zone 148 may be increased. In a similar manner, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 may be increased by increasing the inner diameter 150 (e.g., the diameter of an inner cavity) of the earth-boring tool 100. The inner diameter 150 and outer diameter 152 may both be modified to increase the amount of total system mass in the inertia modification zone 148 (e.g., increasing both the inner diameter 150 and the outer diameter 152, decreasing the outer diameter 152 and increasing the inner diameter 150).

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 is selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by modifying a length in the axial direction of the earth-boring tool 100. As suggested by Equations 2 and 3 above, increasing the length in the axial direction of the earth-boring tool 100 may increase the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100.

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 is modified (e.g., controlled, selected) by modifying a size of the blades 120. For example, increasing the size of the blades 120 may result in a greater percentage (e.g., proportion) of the mass of the tool body 110 present in the inertia modification zone 148, increasing the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100.

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100 is modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by modifying or providing conduits in the earth-boring tool 100. The conduits may be defined in the crown 116 of the earth-boring tool 100. In some embodiments, the conduits are not present in the inertia modification zone 148. Providing conduits in the earth-boring tool 100 outside of the inertia modification zone 148 may result in a greater percentage (e.g., proportion) of the mass of the tool body present in the inertia modification zone 148, increasing the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 100.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an earth-boring tool 200, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The earth-boring tool 200 is at least substantially similar to the earth-boring tool 100 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the earth-boring tool 200 and the components thereof are as described above for FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. In FIGS. 2 through 9, elements having the same last two digits as corresponding elements of others of FIGS. 2 through 9 may be the same or at least substantially similar to the corresponding elements, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the earth-boring tool 200 of FIG. 4 may include blades 220 that are the same or at least substantially similar to the blades 120 of the earth-boring tool 100 of FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B.

The earth-boring tool 200 includes inertia modifying members including inertia plates 254. One or more inertia plates 254 may be disposed on one or more blades 220 near the respective proximal end surface 240 of the respective blade 220. The earth-boring tool 200 is specifically shown to include three (3) inertia plates 254. However, the earth-boring tool 200 may include any suitable number of inertia plates 254, such as, for example, one inertia plate 254, two inertia plates 254, three inertia plates 254, or more than three inertia plates 254. In some embodiments, each blade 220 of the earth-boring tool 200 includes at least one inertia plate 254. The inertia plates 254 do not cover or change the orientation of the cutting elements 244 or the cutting element pockets 246. The inertia plates 254 may be formed of and include a relatively dense material, such as, for example, one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The inertia plates 254 may exhibit the second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density.

In some embodiments, the inertia plates 254 are not in contact with a wellbore and do not ream or cut a subterranean formation during drilling. In other embodiments, the inertia plates 254 at least partially define one or more cutting edges 256 on a rotationally leading edge of the earth-boring tool 200. The cutting edges 256 at least partially defined by the inertia plates 254 may assist in maintaining a diameter of the wellbore during drilling. The inertia plate 254 may be attached to the earth-boring tool 200 by attachment methods known in the art, which are not described in detail herein. By way of non-limiting example, the inertia plates 254 may be attached to the earth-boring tool 200 by one or more of welding, clamping, gluing, and molecular adhesion.

One or more inertia plates at least substantially similar to the inertia plates 254 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 4 may be used to modify the rotational inertia of one or more other components of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1). By way of non-limiting example, one or more adapters of a BHA may include one or more inertia plates on a radial periphery of the adapter, within an inertia modification zone at least substantially similar to the inertia modification zone 248 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an earth-boring tool 300, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The earth-boring tool 300 is at least substantially similar to the earth-boring tool 100 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the earth-boring tool 300 and the components thereof are as described above for FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. The earth-boring tool 300 includes an inertia modifying member including a bridge apparatus 358 mounted on the earth-boring tool 300 and at least substantially in contact with the proximal end surfaces 340 of the blades 320. The bridge apparatus 358 may be mounted onto the proximal end surfaces 340 of the blades 320. As shown in FIG. 5B, the inertia bridge apparatus 358 may extend over the proximal end surfaces 340 of the blades 320 and across a width of the channels 322 therebetween. The bridge apparatus 358 may exhibit a substantially hollow cylinder shape at least substantially surrounding (e.g., encircling) at least a portion of the tool body 310. The bridge apparatus 358 may be configured to define one or more spaces (e.g., openings, channels, vias) for drilling fluid to flow between the bridge apparatus 358, and the tool body 310 and channels 322 of the earth-boring tool 300. When mounted, the bridge apparatus 358 may be at least substantially flush with the proximal end surfaces 340 of the earth-boring tool 300. The bridge apparatus 304 may have at least substantially the same outer diameter as the gauge regions 334 of the earth-boring tool 300 and, hence, a wellbore formed during drilling. Thus, the bridge apparatus 358 may not increase the diameter of a wellbore formed during drilling. In other embodiments, the bridge apparatus 358 may comprise an outer diameter that is larger than the diameter of the gauge regions 334 of the earth-boring tool 300. Thus, the bridge apparatus 358 may increase the diameter of a wellbore formed during drilling. In further embodiments, the bridge apparatus 358 has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the gauge regions 334 of the blades 320.

The bridge apparatus 358 may be formed of and include a relatively dense material, such as, for example, one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The bridge apparatus 358 may exhibit the second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B, a length in the axial direction (e.g., longitudinal length) of the inertia bridge apparatus 358 is less than or equal to a length in the axial direction of the earth-boring tool 300. In some embodiments, the bridge apparatus 358 does not extend over the tool body 310 or the neck 312 of the earth-boring tool 300. However, in other embodiments, the bridge apparatus 358 exhibits a longitudinal length such that the bridge apparatus 358 extends over at least a portion of the tool body 310 and/or at least a portion of the neck 312. In further embodiments, the bridge apparatus 358 at least substantially extends over one or more of the entire tool body 310 and the entire neck 312. The bridge apparatus 358 may exhibit a longitudinal length such that the bridge apparatus 358 covers at least a portion of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1) including the earth-boring tool 300, such as, for example, one or more of an adapter or a steering adapter attached to the earth-boring tool 300.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an earth-boring tool 400, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The earth-boring tool 400 is at least substantially similar to the earth-boring tool 100 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the earth-boring tool 400 and the components thereof are as described above for FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. The earth-boring tool 400 includes inertia modifying members including blade inserts 460 within the blades 420 of the earth-boring tool 400. The blade inserts 460 may be formed of and include a relatively dense material, such as, for example, one or more of steel aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The blade inserts 460 may exhibit the second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density. The blade inserts 460 may replace and/or form at least a portion of one or more of the blades 420 of the earth-boring tool 400. The blade inserts 460 may include a material that exhibits a different volumetric density than the first volumetric density of the tool body 110 and/or blades 120 of the earth-boring tool 100. The blade inserts 460 may at least partially fill a recess (e.g., cavity) defined in the gauge regions 434 of the bit blades 420, as shown in FIG. 6. The blades 420 and blade inserts 460 may exhibit any suitable length in the axial direction (e.g., longitudinal length). By way of non-limiting example, blade inserts 460 may exhibit a longitudinal length at least substantially proportional to a length of the blades. The length of the blade inserts may be at least about 1 in, such as within a range of from about 2 in to about 15 in, or from about 5 in to about 13 in. The blades 420 and blade inserts 460 may extend longitudinally towards the proximal end 426 of the earth-boring tool 400.

At least a portion of the blades 420 may be formed of and include the blade inserts 460. For example, the blade inserts 460, exhibiting the second volumetric density than that of the tool body 410, may comprise the shoulder region 432, at least a portion of the cutting element pockets 446, and/or at least a portion of the cutting elements 444 disposed in the respective cutting element pockets 446 of the blades 420. In some embodiments, the blades 420 are at least substantially entirely formed of and include the blade inserts 460. For example, the blades 420 may be formed of and include blade inserts 460 comprising the shoulder region 432, the nose region 430, the inner cone region 428, and the cutting element pockets 446 with cutting elements 444 disposed therein. In other embodiments, the blade inserts 460 do not comprise any of the cutting elements 444 or cutting element pockets 446.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of an earth-boring tool 500, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The earth-boring tool 500 is at least substantially similar to the earth-boring tool 100 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the earth-boring tool 500 and the components thereof are as described above for FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B. The earth-boring tool 500 includes inertia modifying members including lateral plugs 562. The lateral plugs 562 may at least partially fill recesses 564 defined within the tool body 510 of the earth-boring tool 500. The recesses 564 may be at least substantially longitudinally aligned with a respective blade 520. The recesses 564 and respective lateral plugs 562 may be present on any suitable portion of the tool body 510, such as one or more of the crown 516, the blades 520, the shank 514, and the neck 512. The recesses 564 in the tool body 510 may be produced through machining, drilling, die casting, or other known recess forming methods of the art.

The lateral plugs 562 may be formed of and include a relatively dense material, such as, for example, one or more of steel aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The lateral plugs 562 may exhibit the second volumetric density that is different than the first volumetric density.

The earth-boring tool 500 of FIG. 7A is specifically shown to include seven lateral plugs 562 at least substantially longitudinally aligned with each blade 520. However, the earth-boring tool 500 may comprise any suitable number of lateral plugs 562, such as for example, one or more lateral plugs 562 in any suitable portion of the tool body 510.

FIG. 7B depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bit 500. The lateral plugs 562 may extend through at least a portion of the tool body 510. In some embodiments, the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 extend at least substantially laterally (e.g., at least substantially perpendicular to the center longitudinal axis 518) through at least a portion of the tool body 510. However, the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 may extend at any suitable angle with respect to the center longitudinal axis 518. By way of non-limiting example, the recesses 564 may be defined, with respect to the center longitudinal axis 518, at an angle within a range of from about 10° to about 90°, from about 30° to about 85°, or from about 40° to from 60°. The lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 may exhibit any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape, a square prismatic shape, a triangular prismatic shape, a conical shape, or an irregular shape. The lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 may exhibit any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an ovular shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. The lateral plugs 562 may extend from an outer surface of the earth-boring tool 500 into a center cavity 566 of the bit 500.

In some embodiments, orientation, and placement of the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 is selected to be at least substantially longitudinally aligned with the blades 520 of the bit 500. However, the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 may have any suitable orientation and placement within the tool body 510. By way of non-limiting example, the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 may be at least substantially randomly distributed within the tool body 510. In some embodiments, the lateral plugs 562 and respective recesses 564 are distributed within the tool body 510, including the blades 520, in rows that extend in a perpendicular direction to a longitudinal direction of the blades 520 and channels 522.

One or more lateral plugs at least substantially similar to the lateral plugs 562 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B may be used to modify the rotational inertia of one or more other components of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1). By way of non-limiting example, one or more adapters of a BHA may include one or more lateral plugs disposed in a body of the adapter of the BHA. The lateral plugs in the adapter of the BHA may function in at least substantially the same manner as the lateral plugs 562 of the earth-boring tool 500.

FIG. 8 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an earth-boring tool 600. Earth-boring tool 600 includes one or more fluid conduits 668 defined in the nose region 630 of the earth-boring tool 600. The fluid conduits 668 may extend from a distal region 670 of a center cavity 666 of the earth-boring tool 600 to an outer surface of the nose region 630 of the earth-boring tool 600, as shown in FIG. 8. A distal end of the fluid conduits 668 may be adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) to the cone region 628. The fluid conduits 668 may exhibit any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an ovular shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the fluid conduits 668 increases as the fluid conduits 668 extend from the distal region 670 of the center cavity 666 to the nose region 630 of a blade 620. In other words, the fluid conduits 668 may be relatively wider at the distal end adjacent to the cone region 628. Selectively modifying the shape, volume, and orientation of the fluid conduits 668 may modify the rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 600 by changing an amount of total earth-boring tool 600 mass present in the inertia modification zone 648. For example, the fluid conduits 668 may provide an increase in rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 600, since a percentage of total mass of the earth-boring tool 600 that falls within the inertia modification zone 648 is increased in comparison to a conventional earth-boring tool free of the fluid conduits 668. The rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool 600 may be greater when the fluid conduits 668 are relatively wider at the outer end adjacent to the cone region 628, since a percentage of total mass of the earth-boring tool 600 that falls within the inertia modification zone 648 may be relatively greater than a percentage of total mass of the earth-boring tool 600 when the conduits 668 exhibiting a substantially homogenous cross-sectional area throughout the entire length of the fluid conduits 668. The earth-boring tool 600 may further include any of the inertia modifying members (e.g., inertia plates 254, bridge apparatus 358, blade inserts 460, lateral plugs 562) previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 4 through 7B above.

FIG. 9 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an earth-boring tool 700. The earth-boring tool 700 includes one or more shoulder region conduits 769 defined in the tool body 710. The shoulder region conduits 769 may at least substantially extend from a distal end 770 of an inner cavity 766 of the earth-boring tool to an outer surface of the nose region 730 of the earth-boring tool 700, proximate (e.g., adjacent to, directly adjacent to, or on) the shoulder region 732 of the blades 720. At least a portion of the shoulder region conduits 769 may be disposed at least partially within the inertia modification zone 748. In some embodiments, an outer end (e.g., outer opening) is at least partially disposed within the inertia modification zone 748. During use and operation, such as, for example, during a drilling operation, drill fluid may enter the earth-boring tool 700 through the inner cavity 766 near the neck 712 and exit the earth-boring tool 700 through the one or more shoulder region conduits 769.

One or more nozzles 772 may be defined on or within the outer end of a respective shoulder region conduits 769. The one or more nozzles 772 may be at least partially disposed within the inertia modification zone 748 and may be configured as inertia modifying members. The nozzles 772 may be formed of and include one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The nozzles 772 may exhibit the second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density.

An earth-boring tool (e.g., the earth-boring tools 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) may include any combination of the inertia modifying members (e.g., inertia plates 254, bridge apparatus 358, blade inserts 460, lateral plugs 562, nozzles 772) and/or the inertia modifications (e.g., fluid conduits 668, shoulder region conduits 769) previously discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4-9. For example, an earth-boring tool may include two or more of the inertia modifying members discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4-9. Modifying (e.g., decreasing or increasing) rotational inertia of the earth-boring tool may reduce or eliminate undesirable vibrations in a drill string including the earth-boring tool during drilling, decreasing potential damage to components of the drill string (e.g., the earth-boring tool) and increasing the drilling efficiency of the drill string including the earth-boring tool.

FIG. 10A through FIG. 10D depict longitudinal cross-sectional views of adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100, respectively, that may be used with the drilling system 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 (e.g., BHA adapters) may be configured to attach to (e.g., be in direct contact with) an earth-boring tool (e.g., drill bit 100, earth-boring-tools 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700). The adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may be configured to attach to any suitable component of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1). By way of non-limiting example, the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may be configured to attach to one or more of a BHA (e.g., BHA 50 of FIG. 1), a drill string (e.g., drill string 30 of FIG. 1), or an earth-boring tool (e.g., earth-boring tool 100 of FIG. 2).

With reference to FIG. 10A, the adapter 800 includes a longitudinal body 873 defining a longitudinal channel 874 extending therethrough. The adapter 800 may include a center longitudinal axis 818 extending longitudinally through the longitudinal body 873. The center longitudinal axis 818 may be at least substantially similar to center longitudinal axis 118 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 2. The longitudinal body 873 of the adapter 800 may be formed of and comprise a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The first volumetric density may be within a range of from about 1 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, within a range of from about 3 g/cm³ to about 20 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³.

The adapter 800 may be formed of and include a metal alloy, such as, for example, a steel alloy. However, the adapter 800 may comprise any other suitable material, such as, for example, elemental or pure tungsten, nickel alloys, and particle-matrix composite materials including hard particles (e.g., tungsten carbide particles) embedded within a metal matrix material (e.g., a bronze alloy). In such embodiments, the adapter 800 may be formed using conventional machining processes (e.g., turning, milling, and/or drilling) to form the adapter 800 from a blank volume of the metal alloy (e.g., a billet). The adapter 800 may be formed by casting molten material in the mold. The adapters 800 may then be removed from the mold to form the adapter 800.

The adapter 800 may include an inertia modification zone 848. The inertia modification zone 848 may be defined by an inner diameter 880 and an outer diameter 882. The inertia modification zone 848 may be at least substantially similar to the inertia modification zone 148 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. The inertia modification zone 848 of the adapter 800 may include a radially peripheral region of the adapter 800.

The adapter 800 may include at least one inertia modifying member within the inertia modification zone 848 at least substantially similar to the inertia modifying members previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 through 9. The inertia modifying members may be formed of and include one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The inertia modifying members may exhibit a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density. The second volumetric density of the inertia modifying members may be within a range of from about 3 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, within a range of from about 4 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 15 g/cm³.

With continued reference to FIG. 10A, the adapter 800 includes inertia modifying members comprising lateral plugs 862 disposed within the adapter 800. The lateral plugs 862 may be at least substantially similar to the lateral plugs 562 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 7. The adapter 800 of FIG. 10A is specifically shown to include two (2) lateral plugs 862. However, the adapter 800 may comprise any suitable number of lateral plugs 862, such as, for example, one or more lateral plugs 862. In some embodiments, the adapter 800 includes a number of lateral plugs 862 within a range of about 1 to about 60, from about 5 to about 40, or from about 10 to about 30. The lateral plugs 862 may be disposed at any suitable location at least partially within the inertia modification zone 848 of the adapter 800. The lateral plugs 862 may be disposed within the adapter 800 in any suitable pattern or configuration (e.g., aligned laterally, aligned longitudinally, randomly configured, etc.) within the inertia modification zone 848 of the adapter 800. The lateral plugs 862 may at least partially extend through the adapter 800. For example, the lateral plugs 862 may extend from an outer surface of the adapter 800 into the longitudinal channel 874 of the adapter 800.

FIGS. 10B through 10C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of adapters 900, 1000, and 1100, respectively. The adapters 900, 1000, and 1100 are at least substantially similar to the adapter 800 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 10A. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the adapters 900, 1000, and 1100 and the components thereof are as described above for FIG. 10A. In FIGS. 10A through 10D, elements having the same last two digits as corresponding elements of others of FIGS. 10A through 10D may be the same or at least substantially similar to the corresponding elements, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the adapter 900 of FIG. 10B may include a center longitudinal axis 918 that is the same or at least substantially similar to the center longitudinal axis 818 of the adapter 800 of FIG. 10A.

With reference to FIG. 10B, the adapter 900 includes inertia modifying members comprising longitudinal plugs 976. As shown in FIG. 10B, the longitudinal plugs 976 may be disposed on and/or within a peripheral region of the adapter 900. The longitudinal plugs 976 may extend through at least a portion of the tool body 910. In some embodiments, the longitudinal plugs 976 and respective recesses 977 extend at least substantially longitudinally (e.g., at least substantially parallel to the center longitudinal axis 918) through at least a portion of the adapter 900. However, the longitudinal plugs 976 and respective recesses 977 may extend at any suitable angle with respect to the center longitudinal axis 918. By way of non-limiting example, the recesses 977 may be defined, with respect to the center longitudinal axis 918, at an angle within a range of from about 0° to about 80°, such as within a range of from about 30° to about 75° or from about 40° to from 55°. The longitudinal plugs 976 and respective recesses 977 may exhibit any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape, a square prismatic shape, a triangular prismatic shape, a conical shape, or an irregular shape. The longitudinal plugs 976 and respective recesses 977 may exhibit any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an ovular shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. The longitudinal plugs 976 may extend from an outer surface of the adapter 900 into the longitudinal channel 974 of the adapter 900. The adapter 900 may comprise any suitable number of longitudinal plugs 976, such as, for example, one or more longitudinal plugs 976.

With reference to FIG. 10C, the adapter 1000 includes inertia modifying members comprising blades 1078 in the inertia modification zone 1048 of the adapter 1000. The adapter 1000 of FIG. 10C is specifically shown to include two (2) blades 1078 in the inertia modification zone 1048. However, the adapter 1000 may comprise any suitable number of blades 1078, such as, for example, one or more blades 1078. In some embodiments, the adapter 1000 includes a number of blades 1078 within a range of from about 2 to about 10, such as within a range of from about 3 to about 8 or from about 4 to about 6. The blades 1078 may be disposed in any suitable pattern or configuration on the adapter 1000, such as, for example in a randomly distributed pattern or spaced evenly apart from one another.

With reference to FIG. 10D, the adapter 1100 includes inertia modifying members comprising inertia plates 1154 in the inertia modification zone 1148. The inertia plates 1154 may be at least substantially similar to the inertia plates 254 of FIG. 4 with respect to composition and general function. In some embodiments, the inertia plates 1154 are formed of and include tungsten. The adapter 1100 is specifically shown to include two (2) inertia plates 1154. However, the adapter 1100 may include any suitable number of inertia plates 1154, such as, for example, a number of inertia plates within the range of from about 2 to about 10, about 3 to about 8, or about 4 to about 6. One or more inertia plates 1154 may be disposed on the adapter 1100 at any suitable location on the adapter 1100. The inertia plates 1154 may be attached to the adapter 1100 by attachment methods known in the art. The methods of attachment may include welding, clamping, gluing, or molecular adhesion.

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 is selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by one or more of modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) an outer diameter of the respective adapter 800, 900, 1000, and 1100, modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) an inner diameter of the respective adapter 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 (e.g., a diameter of the respective longitudinal channel 874, 974, 1074, and 1174), and modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) a longitudinal length of the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. Any of the disclosed methods of inertia modification may be used together or separately. By way of non-limiting example, the rotational inertia of the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may be selectively modified by including one or more inertia modifying members within the inertia modification zones 848, 948, 1048, and 1148 and/or modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) one or more of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100.

An adapter (e.g., the adapters 800, 900, 1000, 1100) can include any combination of the inertia modifying members (e.g., lateral plugs 862, longitudinal plugs 976, blades 1078, inertia plates 1154) and/or the inertia modifications previously discussed above with reference to FIGS. 10A through 10D. Modifying (e.g., decreasing or increasing) rotational inertia of the adapter may reduce or eliminate undesirable vibrations in a drill string including the adapter during drilling, decreasing potential damage to components of the drill string (e.g., the earth-boring tool, adapter) and increasing the drilling efficiency of the drill string including the earth-boring tool.

FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400, respectively, that may be used with the drilling system 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400 are at least substantially similar to the adapters 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 10A through 10D. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400, and the components thereof are as described above for FIGS. 10A through 10D. In FIGS. 11A through 11C, elements having the same last two digits as corresponding elements of FIGS. 10A through 10D and others of FIGS. 11A and 11C may be the same or at least substantially similar to the corresponding elements, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

With reference to FIG. 11A, the steering adapter 1200 includes a longitudinal body 1273 defining a longitudinal channel 1274 extending therethrough. The steering adapter 1200 may include a center longitudinal axis 1218 extending longitudinally therethrough. The center longitudinal axis 1218 may be at least substantially similar to the center longitudinal axes 118 and 818 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 10A. The longitudinal body 1273 of the steering adapter 1200 may be formed of and comprise a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density. The first volumetric density may be within a range of from about 1 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, within a range of from about 3 g/cm³ to about 20 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³.

The steering adapter 1200 may be formed of and include a metal alloy, such as, for example, a steel alloy. However, the adapter 800 may comprise any other suitable material, such as, for example, pure or elemental tungsten, nickel alloys, and particle-matrix composite materials including hard particles (e.g., tungsten carbide particles) embedded within a metal matrix material (e.g., a bronze alloy). In such embodiments, the steering adapter 1200 may be formed using conventional machining processes (e.g., turning, milling, and/or drilling) to form the steering adapter 1200 from a blank volume of the metal alloy (e.g., a billet). The steering adapter 1200 may be formed by casting molten material in the mold. The steering adapter 1200 may then be removed from the mold to form the steering adapter 1200.

The steering adapter 1200 may include an inertia modification zone 1248. The inertia modification zone 1248 may be defined by an inner diameter 1280 and an outer diameter 1282. The inertia modification zone 1248 may be at least substantially similar to the inertia modification zones 148 and 848 previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 10A. The inertia modification zone 1248 of the steering adapter 1200 may include a radially peripheral region of the steering adapter 1200.

The steering adapter 1200 may include at least one inertia modifying member within the inertia modification zone 1248 at least substantially similar to the inertia modifying members previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 through 10D. The inertia modifying members may be formed of and include one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof. The inertia modifying members may exhibit a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density. The second volumetric density of the inertia modifying members may be within a range of from about 3 g/cm³ to about 25 g/cm³, such as, for example, within a range of from about 4 g/cm³ to about 18 g/cm³ or from about 5 g/cm³ to about 15 g/cm³.

The steering adapter 1200 may include a steering flap region 1284 with steering flaps 1286 disposed therein. The steering flaps 1286 may be used to push against the wall of a wellbore to steer a BHA during drilling. The steering adapter 1200 may be disposed at any suitable location within the BHA, such as, for example, a distal end, a proximal end, or a location between the distal end and the proximal end of the BHA.

With continued reference to FIG. 11A, the steering adapter 1200 includes inertia modifying members comprising lateral plugs 1262 disposed therein. The lateral plugs 862 may be at least substantially similar to the lateral plugs 862 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 10A. The steering adapter 1200 is specifically shown to include six (6) lateral plugs 1262. However, the steering adapter 1200 may comprise any suitable number of lateral plugs 1262, such as, for example, one or more lateral plugs 1262. In some embodiments, the steering adapter 1200 includes a number of lateral plugs 1262 within a range of from about 1 to about 60, from about 5 to about 40, or from about 10 to about 30. The lateral plugs 1262 may be disposed at any suitable location at least partially within the inertia modification zone 1248 of the steering adapter 1200. The lateral plugs 1262 may be disposed within the adapter 1200 in any suitable pattern or configuration (e.g., aligned laterally, aligned longitudinally, randomly configured, etc.) within the inertia modification zone 1248 of the adapter 1200. The lateral plugs 1262 may at least partially extend through the steering adapter 1200. For example, the lateral plugs 1262 may extend into the longitudinal channel 1274 of the steering adapter 1200. In some embodiments, the lateral plugs 1262 are not disposed in the steering flap region 1284.

FIGS. 11B and 11C show longitudinal cross-sectional views of adapters 1300 and 1400, respectively. The adapters 1300 and 1400 are at least substantially similar to the steering adapter 1200 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 11A. Unless otherwise specified, the material compositions and characteristics of the adapters 1300 and 1400 and the components thereof are as described above for FIG. 11A. In FIGS. 11A through 11C, elements having the same last two digits as corresponding elements of others of FIGS. 11A through 11C may be the same or at least substantially similar to the corresponding elements, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the adapter 1300 of FIG. 11B may include a center longitudinal axis 1318 that is the same or at least substantially similar to the center longitudinal axis 1218 of the adapter 1200 of FIG. 11A.

With reference to FIG. 11B, the adapter 1300 includes inertia modifying members comprising longitudinal plugs 1376. As shown in FIG. 11B, the longitudinal plugs 1376 may be disposed on and/or within a peripheral region of the adapter 1300. The longitudinal plugs 1376 may extend through at least a portion of the longitudinal body 1373. In some embodiments, the longitudinal plugs 1376 and respective recesses 1377 extend at least substantially longitudinally (e.g., at least substantially parallel to the center longitudinal axis 1318) through at least a portion of the adapter 1300. However, the longitudinal plugs 1376 and respective recesses 1377 may extend at any suitable angle with respect to the center longitudinal axis 1318. By way of non-limiting example, the recesses 1377 may be defined, with respect to the center longitudinal axis 1318, at an angle within a range of from about 0° to about 80°, such as within a range of from about 30° to about 75° or from about 40° to from 55°. The longitudinal plugs 1376 and respective recesses 1377 may exhibit any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape, a square prismatic shape, a triangular prismatic shape, a conical shape, or an irregular shape. The longitudinal plugs 1376 and respective recesses 1377 may exhibit any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an ovular shape, a polygonal shape, or an irregular shape. The longitudinal plugs 1376 may extend from an outer surface of the steering adapter 1300 into the longitudinal channel 1374 of the steering adapter 1300. The adapter 1300 may comprise any suitable number of longitudinal plugs 1376, such as, for example one or more longitudinal plugs 1376.

With reference to FIG. 11C, the adapter 1400 includes inertia modifying members comprising blades 1478 in the inertia modification zone 1448 of the adapter 1400. The adapter 1400 of FIG. 10C is specifically shown to include two (2) blades 1478 in the inertia modification zone 1448. However, the adapter 1400 may comprise any suitable number of blades 1478, such as, for example, one or more blades 1478. In some embodiments, the adapter 1400 includes a number of blades 1478 within a range of from about 2 to about 10, such as within a range of from about 3 to about 8 or from about 4 to about 6. The blades 1478 may be disposed in any suitable pattern or configuration on the adapter 1400, such as, for example in a randomly distributed pattern or spaced evenly apart from one another.

In some embodiments, the rotational inertia of the steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400 is selectively modified (e.g., controlled, adjusted) by one or more of modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) an outer diameter of the respective steering adapter 1200, 1300, and 1400, modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) an inner diameter of the respective steering adapter 1200, 1300, and 1400 (e.g., a diameter of the respective longitudinal channel 1274, 1374, and 1474), and modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) a longitudinal length of the steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400. Any of the disclosed methods of inertia modification may be used together or separately. By way of non-limiting example, the rotational inertia of the steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400 may be selectively modified by including one or more inertia modifying members within the inertia modification zones 1248, 1348, and 1448 and/or modifying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) one or more of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400.

A steering adapter (e.g., the steering adapters 1200, 1300, 1400) can include any combination of the inertia modifying members (e.g., lateral plugs 1262, longitudinal plugs 1376, blades 1478) and/or the inertia modifications previously discussed above with reference to FIGS. 11A through 11C. Modifying (e.g., decreasing or increasing) rotational inertia of the steering adapter may reduce or eliminate undesirable vibrations in a drill string including the steering adapter during drilling, decreasing potential damage to components of the drill string (e.g., the earth-boring tool, steering adapter) and increasing the drilling efficiency of the drill string including the earth-boring tool.

Earth-boring tools (e.g., earth-boring tools 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700) and BHA components (e.g., adapters 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and steering adapters 1200, 1300, and 1400) as described herein may be designed and/or modeled using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The earth-boring tool and BHA designs may be used in drilling simulations to model and predict tool behavior while drilling a particular subterranean formation. These simulations may be used to predict the occurrence of undesirable vibrations resulting in damage to the earth-boring tool and BHA. The design of the earth-boring tool and BHA, properties (e.g., composition, density, shape, size, placement) of inertia modifying members (e.g., inertia plates 254, lateral plugs 362, a bridge apparatus 358, blade inserts 460, or fluid nozzles 772) within the earth-boring tool and/or BHA components, and/or properties or elements of additional inertia modification methods (e.g., fluid conduits 668, inner and outer diameters of the earth-boring tool and/or BHA components, length of the earth-boring tool and/or BHA components) may be modified (e.g., controlled or adjusted) to reduce or eliminate undesirable vibrations in the earth-boring tool, associated BHA, and drill string prior to fabrication and use thereof to form a wellbore.

FIG. 12A is a graphical representation of simulation results of a first earth-boring tool operated with different rotational inertias, where the x-axis is weight on bit (WOB) and the y-axis is revolutions per minute (RPM). The first earth-boring tool simulated in FIG. 12A included no modifications to mass or density within an inertia modification zone of the earth-boring tool. A first shaded region on the left of the graph defines a first risk region, where the specific combinations of WOB and RPM resulted in more drill string vibrations than the second risk region.

FIG. 12B is a graphical representation of simulation results of a second earth-boring tool operated with different rotational inertias, where the x-axis is WOB, and the y-axis is RPM. The second earth-boring tool simulated in FIG. 12B included an increase in mass and density within an inertia modification zone of the second earth-boring tool relative to the mass and density within the inertia modification zone of the first earth-boring tool simulated in FIG. 12A. The second shaded region on the left of the graph defines a second risk region, where the specific combinations of WOB and RPM resulted in more drill string vibrations than the second the risk region. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second risk region associated with an increase in mass and density within the inertia modification zone is significantly smaller than the first risk region associated with no modification to mass or density within the inertia modification zone. An increase in mass and density within the inertia modification zone of an earth-boring tool increases the range of possible WOB and RPM combinations that may be used in drilling operations without significant drill string vibrations.

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.

Claims

1. An earth-boring tool, comprising:

a tool body comprising at least one blade and a center longitudinal axis extending through the tool body, wherein the tool body comprises a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density; and

at least one inertia modifying member, each inertia modifying member disposed at least partially within an inertia modification zone of the tool body, the at least one inertia modifying member comprising at least one elongated lateral plug having a length extending along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending at least partially into the tool body at an angle relative to the center longitudinal axis, the at least one elongated lateral plug comprising a second material exhibiting a second volumetric density different than the first volumetric density.

2.-3. (canceled)

4. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral plug comprises more than one lateral plug, each lateral plug at least substantially longitudinally aligned with a respective blade of the least one blade of the tool body.

5. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral plug extends at least partially into the tool body in a direction at an angle within a range of from about 10° to about 90° with respect to the center longitudinal axis of the tool body.

6. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one inertia modifying member further comprises at least one inertia plate on the at least one blade.

7. The earth-boring tool of claim 6, wherein the at least one inertia plate at least partially defines one or more cutting edges on a rotationally leading edge of the at least one blade.

8. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the inertia modification zone exhibits a hollow cylindrical shape defined by a first diameter of the earth-boring tool and a second diameter of the earth-boring tool.

9. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one inertia modifying member further comprises at least one blade insert, the at least one blade comprising the at least one blade insert.

10. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one inertia modifying member further comprises a bridge mounted on the at least one blade and at least substantially encircling the tool body.

11. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the first volumetric density is within a range of from about 1 g/cm3 to about 25 g/cm3 and the second volumetric density is within a range of from about 4 g/cm3 to about 18 g/cm3.

12. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof.

13. The earth-boring tool of claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a difference between the first volumetric density and the second volumetric density is within a range of from about 1 g/cm3 to about 24 g/cm3.

14. A method of modifying rotational inertia of an earth-boring tool, the earth-boring tool comprising a tool body comprising a first material exhibiting a first volumetric density, the method comprising:

providing at least one inertia modifying member within an inertia modification zone defined by a first diameter of the earth-boring tool and a second diameter of the earth-boring tool, the at least one inertia modifying member comprising a second material having a second volumetric density which is different than the first volumetric density,

wherein the at least one inertia modifying member comprises one or more lateral plugs having a length extending along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending at least partially into the tool body at an angle relative to the center longitudinal axis.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising selecting the at least one inertia modifying member to comprise one or more of steel, aluminum, diamond, lead, carbon, graphite, tungsten, titanium, and alloys thereof.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising selecting the second material to exhibit a volumetric density of greater than or equal to about 8 g/cm3.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one inertia modifying member comprises two or more inertia modifying members.

18.-20. (canceled)