With Bit Wear Signal Generating Patents (Class 175/39)
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Patent number: 8718802Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventor: Scott G. Boone
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Publication number: 20140102791Abstract: Described herein is a wear indicator (100) for use in a drill bit or a core head. The wear indicator (100) comprises an elongate element that forms part of the drill bit. The elongate element has a plurality of numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) formed along its length, each number (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) being formed as a void and corresponds to a level of wear in accordance with the IADC dull grading system. As the drill becomes worn, the wear indicator (100) wears at the same rate to reveal one of the numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180). The numbers range from “1” to “8” where the number “1” illustrates the least wear and the number “8” indicates the most wear. When unworn, none of the numbers are visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Olivier Dupont, Nuno Da Silva
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Patent number: 8695729Abstract: A Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutter for a rotary drill bit is provided with an integrated sensor and circuitry for making measurements of a property of a fluid in the borehole and/or an operating condition of the drill bit. A method of manufacture of the PDC cutter and the rotary drill bit is discussed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sunil Kumar, Anthony A. Digiovanni, Dan Scott, Hendrik John, Othon Monteiro
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Patent number: 8640791Abstract: A system and method for monitoring underground drilling in which vibration is monitored by creating a model of the drill string using finite element techniques or finite difference techniques and (i) predicting vibration by inputting real time values of operating parameters into the model, and then adjusting the model to agree with measured vibration data, (ii) predicting the weight on bit and drill string and mud motor speeds at which resonance will occur, as well as when stick-slip will occur, so that the operator can avoid operating regimes that will result in high vibration, (iii) determining vibration and torque levels along the length of the drill string based on the measured vibration and torque at one or more locations, (iv) determining the remaining life of critical components of the drill string based on the history of the vibration to which the components have been subjected, and (v) determining the optimum drilling parameters that will avoid excessive vibration of the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.Inventors: William Evans Turner, Mark Ellsworth Wassell
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Publication number: 20130256032Abstract: Downhole abrading tools have one or more identification tags disposed in or on the cutting end of the tools, and a housing having a detector and a relay module. The identification tags emit one or more signals that are detected by the detector which is disposed in close proximity to the cutting end. The relay module is operatively associated with the detector. During operation of the tool, the cutting end is worn causing release or destruction of one or more identification tags. The release or destruction of one or more identification tags causes a change in the signal or signals being detected by the detector. The signal change(s) is/are communicated through the relay module to the operator so that the operator can identify in real-time the amount of wear of the cutting end and, in some embodiments, the location of the wear of the cutting end.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Larry T. Palmer
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Patent number: 8534391Abstract: Earth-boring tools include one or more cutting elements having at least one grading feature positioned a known distance from an initial working surface of the cutting element. Methods of grading cutting element loss on earth-boring tools include comparing locations of wear surfaces on cutting elements to locations of one or more grading features in or on the cutting elements. In some embodiments, a cutting element may comprise an insert having a generally cylindrical body, a substantially planar cutting face surface, a substantially arcuate side surface, and at least one grading feature. In additional embodiments, a cutting element may comprise a tooth having one or more grading features.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Sean W. Wirth
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Patent number: 8386196Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Stefan Wagner, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
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Publication number: 20130008717Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a reliable signal to the operator while drilling when a bit or tool becomes worn or damaged to a predetermined extent. The approach, in an exemplary embodiment, is to integrate one or more wear tracer elements into one or more parts of a drill bit or downhole tool that do not engage the earthen formation until the predetermined wear or damage occurs. At that time wear tracer elements are released upon wearing of the bit body, cutters, inserts, nozzles, or other components that include the wear tracer elements and enter the drill fluid. The presence of wear tracer elements in drilling fluid can be detected at the surface directly, or indirectly as a result of, for example, one or more reactions between the wear tracer elements and the mud, formation, or other subterranean elements, which yield some compound that may then be reliably detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: ARON DEEN
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Publication number: 20120152617Abstract: A bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; embedding at least one electrical circuit into the bit, the circuit including a temperature sensor; and providing a module to monitor the circuits and generate an indication of bit wear. The electrical circuit may experience a change in resistance or conductivity due to wear of the bit and/or changes in an earth formation adjacent the bit. The bit wear and/or formation changes may be displayed for an operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Terry Hunt, Sorin G. Teodorescu, Eric Sullivan
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Publication number: 20120152618Abstract: A method for determining wear of a drill bit is disclosed. The method includes drilling a first hole in a worksite based on a hole pattern having a plurality of planned holes and determining an energy required to drill the first hole. The method also includes drilling a second hole in the worksite and determining an energy required to drill the second hole. The method further includes determining a wear of the drill bit using the determined energy required to drill the first hole and the determined energy required to drill the second hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Frederic Nadeau
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Patent number: 8185366Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Sujian J. Huang, Peter Thomas Cariveau
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Publication number: 20110290560Abstract: A drill bit with a bit body having a central bore in communication with a plurality of nozzles for directing drilling fluid; a plurality of cutters defining a cutting face of the bit; and a passageway extending from the central bore toward the cutting face, such that excessive wear of the cutting face opens the passageway to allow the drilling fluid to flow therethrough, thereby reducing a surface pressure of the drilling fluid and indicating excessive wear of the bit. The passageway may extend to adjacent, or within one half inch or three inches of, the cutting face, such that excessive wear opens the passageway to the cutting face. In some cases, the passageway may actually extend through the cutting face with a plug inserted into the passageway at the cutting face to prevent the drilling fluid from exiting the passageway absent wear of the bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert J. Buske, Mark Philip Blackman, John F. Bradford, Michael S. Damschen, Robert D. Bradshaw, Rudolf C. Pessier
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Publication number: 20110266054Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wellbore in a formation may include a bit body and a sensor in the bit body. The sensor may include at least one cutting element and may be configured to generate information relating to a parameter of interest when the drill bit engages a wellbore surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Sunil Kumar, Hendrik John, Dan Scott, Anthony DiGiovanni
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Patent number: 8006781Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be a witness material that may change a characteristic of at least a portion of the bit. The module may detect when the witness material is separated from the bit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sorin G. Teodorescu, Terry Hunt
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Patent number: 7844405Abstract: A method of measuring the compressibility, and/or the density, of small particles, and especially nano-particles, in suspension is described. The static method uses steady pressures and measures the d-c (static) compressibility of particles. The ultrasonic method utilizes an ultrasonic pulsed doppler system to measure the compressibility of particles at ultrasonic frequencies, which may differ from static values. These methods can also be used together to provide overlapping and complementary information about the particles. In addition, the ultrasonic pulsed doppler system also provides a way to measure particle density.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Steven A. Africk
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Publication number: 20100212961Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a bit body bearing at least one gage pad and a shank extending from the bit body. An annular chamber is formed within the shank. A data evaluation module is disposed in the annular chamber and includes a processor, a memory, and a communication port. The data evaluation module estimates a gage pad wear by periodically sampling a tangential accelerometer and a radial accelerometer disposed in the drill bit. A history of the tangential acceleration and the radial acceleration is analyzed to determine a revolution rate, gage-slipping periods, and gage-cutting periods. A change in a gage-pad-wear state is estimated responsive to an analysis of the revolution rate, the at least one gage-cutting period and the at least one gage-slipping period. The determination of the gage-pad-wear state may also include analyzing a formation hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
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Patent number: 7770664Abstract: An expandable underreamer apparatus disposed on a distal end of a drillstring and configured to drill a formation includes a substantially tubular main body adjacent a cutting head, the main body providing at least one axial recess configured to receive an arm assembly, and the arm assembly configured to translate between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the arm assembly, and a plurality of wear indicators imbedded in at least one arm assembly and positioned behind the cutting elements with respect to a direction of rotation of the arm assembly, wherein the wear indicators are configured to provide an increased torque to the drillstring upon contacting the formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Tommy Laird, Gordon Whipple
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Publication number: 20100139975Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be a witness material that may change a characteristic of at least a portion of the bit. The module may detect when the witness material is separated from the bit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Sorin G. TEODORESCU, Terry HUNT
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Patent number: 7726415Abstract: The fixed cutter drill bit disclosed utilizes a unique piloting section and reaming section carefully designed to impart several specific operational advantages. In the piloting section, cutting structures have been arranged so as to create offsetting cutting forces that result in a net zero imbalance during operation. Furthermore, the piloting section utilizes carefully placed shock studs which aid in protecting the primary cutting structure. In addition, the location of the fluid supply nozzles on the body of the reamer section serves to indicate the occurrence of a catastrophic cutting structure failure below the pilot gage.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: OTS International, Inc.Inventors: Robert George Tipton, Carl W. Keith, Gerald A. Strenk, Jr.
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Patent number: 7707009Abstract: A method and system for automatically calculating and generating performance analysis charts, including a reliability curve. The method and system are used to selectively convert performance records data from a database into graphs and charts reflective of a performance analysis. A tool and method is provided for predicting the effective life or run time of a component, such as a drill bit, based on calculated reliabilities for similar components.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Stephen C. Steinke
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Patent number: 7693695Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Sujian J. Huang, Peter Thomas Cariveau
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Publication number: 20100051292Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes at least one of a weight sensor and a torque sensor configured to provide signals representative of the weight and torque on the drill bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into a formation. A circuit may be configured to process signals from the weight and torque sensors to provide an estimate the weight and torque on the bit when the drill bit used for cutting into the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan, Daryl Pritchard
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Publication number: 20090294173Abstract: An expandable underreamer apparatus disposed on a distal end of a drillstring and configured to drill a formation includes a substantially tubular main body adjacent a cutting head, the main body providing at least one axial recess configured to receive an arm assembly, and the arm assembly configured to translate between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the arm assembly, and a plurality of wear indicators imbedded in at least one arm assembly and positioned behind the cutting elements with respect to a direction of rotation of the arm assembly, wherein the wear indicators are configured to provide an increased torque to the drillstring upon contacting the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Tommy Laird, Gordon Whipple
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Patent number: 7624810Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running string that includes a tool and a flowable object that is held in a retained position within the string downhole in the well. After the string is run downhole in the well, the flowable object is released to permit the object to flow in and subsequently seat in a flow path of the string to impede fluid communication so that the tool may be actuated in response to the impeded fluid communication.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jeremie C. Fould, Timothy M. O'Rourke, Michael W. Rea, Bryan C. Linn
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Patent number: 7600581Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, and a fusible material disposed within the body. The fusible material is capable of igniting and combusting in response to a selected temperature increase due to excessive wear on the cutting end. Combustion of the fusible material provides an indication to an operator of the downhole abrading tool of the excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced. The indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool can be a temperature change or a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing through the drilling fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7575070Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean L. Gaudette, Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7565928Abstract: A downhole abrading tools has a body with a first end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string and a cutting end for rotation in unison with the body. The downhole abrading tool also includes a passage through the tool for circulating a drilling fluid. Disposed within the drilling fluid passageway is a taggant injection assembly having one or more taggants disposed therein that facilitates injection of taggants into the drilling fluid upon the cutting end experience excessive wear. The taggants are then transported to the surface location along with the drilling fluid for detection by the operator of the downhole abrading tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gerald Lynde, Darrin L. Willauer
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Publication number: 20090126995Abstract: A downhole abrading tools has a body with a first end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string, and a cutting end for rotation in unison with the body, the cutting end having an abrading matrix containing an abrasive material for rotating engagement with an object within the well. The downhole abrading tool also includes a passage through the tool for circulating a drilling fluid. The abrading matrix includes at least one taggant embedded within the abrading matrix capable of being released by the abrading matrix into the downhole location due to wear on the abrasive material and transported to the surface location along with the drilling fluid for detection. When the taggant is released due to excessive wear, the taggant is carried from the downhole location in the well to the surface of the well where it can be detected by the operator of the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7484571Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean L. Gaudette, Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Publication number: 20080230271Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, and a fusible material disposed within the body. The fusible material is capable of igniting and combusting in response to a selected temperature increase due to excessive wear on the cutting end. Combustion of the fusible material provides an indication to an operator of the downhole abrading tool of the excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced. The indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool can be a temperature change or a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing through the drilling fluid passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7424910Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, an exterior surface, a drilling fluid passageway, a valve, and a chamber. Upon exposure of the chamber to a wellbore fluid pressure due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the valve opens. The opening of the valve permits drilling fluid to flow from the drilling fluid passageway, through the exterior surface and into the wellbore. The flow of drilling fluid through the exterior surface causes a pressure drop that is detected at the surface by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The valve movement may also cause the release of taggants, or indicators, into the drilling fluid that may also be detected by the operator, either visually or with the aid of detection equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7404457Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, and a fusible material disposed within the body. The fusible material is capable of igniting and combusting in response to a selected temperature increase due to excessive wear on the cutting end. Combustion of the fusible material provides an indication to an operator of the downhole abrading tool of the excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced. The indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool can be a temperature change or a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing through the drilling fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Baker Huges IncorporatedInventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7404456Abstract: Acoustic signals generated by drilling a bore hole with a drill bit are received at sensors placed in the drill string. The acoustic signals received by the sensors are processed, e.g. using a Fourier transform, and a characteristic of the acoustic signals is used to identify lithology, rock strength, presence of oil, presence of gas, change in lithology, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gary Weaver, Roger L. Schultz
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Publication number: 20080125981Abstract: A method and system that can be used to automatically calculate and generate performance analysis charts, including a reliability curve is disclosed. The method and system may be used to selectively convert performance records data from a database into graphs and charts reflective of a performance analysis. The invention also provides a tool and method that can be used to predict the effective life or run time of a component, such as a drill bit, based calculated reliabilities for similar components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Stephen C. Steinke
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Patent number: 7363988Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for downhole processing of measurements made in a wellbore during the construction of the wellbore. The system includes a sensors located downhole adapted to measure a two downhole parameters. The system uses a downhole processor to calculate a statistical relationship, preferably covariance, between the two downhole parameters. A transmitter located downhole and in communication with the downhole processor is used to transmit the calculated statistical relationship to the surface. At the surface the statistical relationship is compared with surface acquired data and surface drilling operating parameters are altered based on the statistical relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Benjamin Peter Jeffryes
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Patent number: 7357197Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling the surface operator about downhole conditions. Sensors located downhole collect data while drilling and the data is processed to determine bit failure, for example. When the sensor data indicates a failure, the pressure of drilling mud is varied using a valve on the downhole unit, and this pressure variance is indicated by a pressure gauge visible to the operator. This pressure change tells the operator a failure has been indicated.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Orlando De Jesus, Andrew J. Osborne, Jr.
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Patent number: 7356450Abstract: A method for designing a roller cone bit that includes steps of selecting design parameters for the roller cone bit, drilling parameters, and parameters of an earth formation, simulating drilling of the earth formation by the roller cone bit using the selected drilling parameters, calculating drilling performance parameters from the simulated drilling, and analyzing at least one of a tensile stress or a compressive stress parameters for a cutting element of the roller cone bit from the calculated drilling performance parameters is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Sujian J. Huang
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Patent number: 7318488Abstract: A method for classifying data measured during drilling operations at a wellbore includes determining a first difference between values of a selected measured parameter between a first time and a second time and assigning a value of a measured parameter to an enhanced data value set when the first difference falls below selected thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventor: Mark W. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 7316278Abstract: A method for determining a drilling malfunction includes determining a correspondence between at least one drilling operating parameter and at least one drilling response parameter. Determining the correspondence is performed when a parameter related to a dissipative motion of the drill string falls below a selected threshold. A value of the drilling response parameter is predicted based on the correspondence and measurements of the drilling operating parameter. Existence of the malfunction is determined when the predicted value is substantially different from a measured value of the drilling response parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Mark W. Hutchinson
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Publication number: 20080000687Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, and a fusible material disposed within the body. The fusible material is capable of igniting and combusting in response to a selected temperature increase due to excessive wear on the cutting end. Combustion of the fusible material provides an indication to an operator of the downhole abrading tool of the excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced. The indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool can be a temperature change or a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing through the drilling fluid passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Publication number: 20080000634Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Sean L. Gaudette, Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Publication number: 20080000633Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, an exterior surface, a drilling fluid passageway, a valve, and a chamber. Upon exposure of the chamber to a wellbore fluid pressure due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the valve opens. The opening of the valve permits drilling fluid to flow from the drilling fluid passageway, through the exterior surface and into the wellbore. The flow of drilling fluid through the exterior surface causes a pressure drop that is detected at the surface by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The valve movement may also cause the release of taggants, or indicators, into the drilling fluid that may also be detected by the operator, either visually or with the aid of detection equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Yang Xu, Gerald Lynde
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Patent number: 7261167Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation is disclosed. The method generates a geology model of a given formation. The geology model includes a geology characteristic of the given formation per unit depth. The method also determines a predicted drilling performance for a proposed drilling equipment based on the geology model and specification data of the proposed drilling equipment, wherein the specification data of the proposed drilling equipment is a function of the geology characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William A. Goldman, Oliver Matthews, III, William W. King, Gary E. Weaver, Gerald L. Pruitt
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Patent number: 7258175Abstract: A bit selection method will generate and record or display a sequence of drill bits chosen from among a plurality of bit candidates adapted for drilling an Earth formation in response to input data representing Earth formation characteristics of the formation to be drilled by: comparing the input data representing the characteristics of the formation to be drilled with a set of historical data including a plurality of sets of Earth formation characteristics and a corresponding plurality of sequences of drill bits to be used in connection with the sets of Earth formation characteristics, and locating a substantial match between the characteristics of the formation to be drilled associated with the input data and at least one of the plurality of sets of Earth formation characteristics associated with the set of historical data; when the substantial match is found, generating one of the plurality of sequences of drill bits in response thereto; and recording or displaying the one of the plurality of sequences ofType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Daan Veeningen, Kris Givens, Patrick Chen
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Patent number: 7140452Abstract: A method for determining movement mode in a drill string includes measuring lateral acceleration of the drill string, determining lateral position of the drill string from the acceleration measurements, and determining mode from the position with respect to time. Also disclosed is a method including measuring drill string acceleration along at least one direction, spectrally analyzing the acceleration, and determining existence of a particular mode from the spectral analysis. Also disclosed is a method for determining destructive torque on a BHA including measuring angular acceleration at at least one location along the BHA, and comparing the acceleration to a selected threshold. The threshold relates to a moment of inertia of components of the BHA and a maximum torque applicable to threaded connections between BHA components. A warning is generated when acceleration exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventor: Mark W. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 7114578Abstract: A method for determining movement mode in a drill string includes measuring lateral acceleration of the drill string, determining lateral position of the drill string from the acceleration measurements, and determining mode from the position with respect to time. Another method includes measuring drill string acceleration along at least one direction, spectrally analyzing the acceleration, and determining existence of a particular mode from the spectral analysis. A method for determining destructive torque on a BHA includes measuring angular acceleration at at least one location along the BHA, and comparing the acceleration to a selected threshold. The threshold relates to a moment of inertia of components of the BHA and a maximum torque applicable to threaded connections between BHA components. A warning is generated when acceleration exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: Mark W. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 7100708Abstract: A controller provides an automatic bit protection sequence for an autodriller that can be initiated during the initial stage of set down of the bit within the formation. The automatic protection sequence establishes a setpoint for a parameter of interest (such as weight on bit, ROP, torque) associated with operation of the drilling system and then initiates a gradual increase in that parameter in order to achieve the setpoint. The bit protection sequence may be adjustable so that varying degrees of gradualness may be selected. The controller of the autodriller may also be provided with measured data for torque, rate of penetration (ROP) and/or the differential pressure of the mud motor of the drilling system. Each of these parameters is provided with a predetermined setpoint, and each may be selected as the controlling parameter for operation of the autodriller.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventor: William L. Koederitz
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Patent number: 7032689Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted-drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William A. Goldman, Oliver Matthews, III, William W. King, Gary E. Weaver, Gerald L. Pruitt
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Patent number: 6986395Abstract: Roller cone drilling wherein the bit optimization process equalizes the downforce (axial force) for the cones (as nearly as possible, subject to other design constraints).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Shilin Chen
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Patent number: 6968909Abstract: A system is for controlling borehole operations using a computational drilling process model representing the combined effect of downhole conditions and the operation of a drillstring. The drilling process model is continually updated with downhole measurements made during a drilling operation. From the updated drilling process model, a set of optimum drilling parameters is determined and communicated to a surface equipment control system. Further, the system allows the surface equipment control system to automatically adjust current surface equipment control settings based on the updated optimum drilling parameters. Various control scripts are generated and executed to inform the surface equipment control system based on a present drilling mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Walter D. Aldred, Richard Meehan