Method for optimizing the location of a secondary cutting structure component in a drill string

• US 7,954,559 B2
• Filed: 09/01/2006
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Smith International Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Smith International Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Paez, Luis C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bagnell; David J
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOIKITH, CATHERINE A
• Application Number:
  US11/514,411
• Publication Number:
  US 20070005316A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,740 Days
• Field of Search: 175/57, 175/40, 175/45, 175/320
• US Class Current: 175/40
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/00 Drill bits specially adapted for deflecting the direction of boring E21B7/064; with means for collecting substances E21B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/46 characterised by wear resisting parts, e.g. diamond inserts
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/62 characterised by parts, e.g. cutting elements, which are detachable or adjustable E21B10/64 takes precedence; for roller bits E21B10/20; for augers E21B10/44
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/00 Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/00 Special methods or apparatus for drilling
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/04 Directional drilling

Abstract

A method of drilling a well includes at least one drill bit and at least one secondary cutting structure. The method includes determining a neutral point of a drill string, positioning at least one secondary cutting structure based on the neutral point of the drill string, and drilling an earth formation.

Claims

1. A method of drilling a well using at least one drill bit and at least one secondary cutting structure, comprising:

determining a neutral point of a drill string;

positioning at least one secondary cutting structure based on the neutral point of the drill string; and

drilling an earth formation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning comprises placing the at least one secondary cutting structure within 60 feet of the neutral point.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the positioning comprises placing the at least one secondary cutting structure within 30 feet of the neutral point.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the positioning comprises placing the at least one secondary cutting structure within 10 feet of the neutral point.