At-Bit Evaluation of Formation Parameters and Drilling Parameters

• US 20110266054A1
• Filed: 04/25/2011
• Published: 11/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC (Baker Hughes Company)
• Original Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated (Baker Hughes Company)
• Inventors: Kumar, Sunil, John, Hendrik, Scott, Dan, DiGiovanni, Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 8,757,291 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 175/39
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/08 Roller bits E21B10/26 takes precedence; roller core bits E21B10/06; characterised by wear resisting parts E21B10/50
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/567 with preformed cutting elements mounted on a distinct support, e.g. polycrystalline inserts
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/013 Devices specially adapted for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A drill bit, comprising:

a bit body; and

a sensor in the bit body, the sensor including at least one cutting element, the sensor being configured to generate information relating to a parameter of interest when the at least one cutting element engages a wellbore surface.

2. The drill bit of claim 1, wherein the sensor generates information relating to one of:

(i) a pressure associated with the drill bit, (ii) a strain associated with the drill bit;

(iii) a formation parameter, (iv) temperature of the bit, (v) temperature of a surrounding media, and (vi) vibration.

3. The drill bit of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a sensing element operatively coupled to the at least one cutting element.

4. The drill bit of claim 3, wherein the operative coupling is selected from one of:

(i) a dynamic coupling, and (ii) an electrical coupling.

5. The drill bit of claim 1, wherein the at least one cutting element comprises at least two cutting elements, and wherein the parameter is a formation parameter of the material between the at least two cutting elements.

6. The drill bit of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a signal generator transmitting a signal, and wherein the sensor generates a signal indicative of a response of the formation to the transmitted signal.

7. The drill bit of claim 1 further comprising a circuit in the bit body configured to at least partially process signals from the sensor.

8. A drill bit, comprising:

a bit body;

a sensor in the bit body, the sensor including at least one cutting element and a sensing element operatively coupled to the at least one cutting element, the sensor being configured to generate information relating to a parameter of interest when the at least one cutting element engages a wellbore surface;

a controller configured to operate the sensor; and

a communication device configured to provide signal communication between the controller and the sensor.

9. The drill bit of claim 8, wherein the sensor generates information relating to one of:

(i) a pressure associated with the drill bit, (ii) a strain associated with the drill bit;

(iii) a formation parameter, (iv) temperature of the bit, (v) temperature of a surrounding media, and (vi) vibration.

10. The drill bit of claim 8, wherein the operative coupling is selected from one of:

(i) a dynamic coupling, and (ii) an electrical coupling.

11. The drill bit of claim 8, wherein the at least one cutting element comprises at least two cutting elements, and wherein the parameter is a formation parameter of the material between the at least two cutting elements.

12. The drill bit of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes a signal generator transmitting a signal, and wherein the sensor generates a signal indicative of a response of the formation to the transmitted signal.

13. The drill bit of claim 8 further comprising a circuit in the bit body configured to at least partially process signals from the sensor.