Danny E. Scott

Rolling Cone Bits With Novel Gauge Cutting Structure Drill Faster, More Efficiently

Roller cone bit design practices that focus on improving gauge durability have resulted in heavily reinforced and rugged, but highly inefficient, cutting structures. This dilemma prompted an in-depth study of the cutting mechanics in the corner of the borehole. The study consisted of a review of gauge cutting structure design and kinematics, laboratory testing with individual cutting elements to determine cutting forces and full-scale simulator and field tests. The work not only confirmed the original supposition, but led to the development of a novel, patented gauge cutting structure that is more aggressive, faster, and at least as durable and wear resistant as conventional designs.