CUTTING STRUCTURES, TOOLS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES INCLUDING CUTTING STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

Cutting structures for use with downhole tools in subterranean boreholes include a blade, a plurality of primary cutting elements coupled to the blade, and at least one secondary element rotationally leading the plurality of primary cutting elements in a direction of intended rotation of the cutting structure. The at least one secondary element is coupled to the blade proximate a leading surface of the blade and comprises at least one of a rubbing surface and a cutting surface. An exposure of at least one primary cutting element of the plurality of primary cutting elements is greater than an exposure of the at least one secondary element. Downhole tools such as reamers include cutting structures. Methods of enlarging a subterranean borehole include reaming a borehole with cutting structures.

主权项

1. A reamer for use in a subterranean borehole comprising:
blades coupled to the reamer, at least one blade of the blades comprising:
primary cutting elements coupled to the at least one blade, each comprising a polycrystalline diamond compact having a substantially planar cutting face configured to remove material from the subterranean borehole; andat least one secondary element rotationally leading at least some of the primary cutting elements in a direction of intended rotation of the reamer, the at least one secondary element coupled to the at least one blade proximate at least one rotationally leading surface of the at least one blade, the at least one secondary element positioned and oriented on the at least one blade as a rubbing surface configured to protect the at least one rotationally leading surface of the at least one blade.