Rotary Drill Bits with Protected Cutting Elements and Methods

摘要

A rotary drill bit with cutting elements operable to control depth of cut and rate of penetration during formation of a wellbore are provided. Respective sets of secondary cutting elements and primary cutting elements may also be disposed on exterior portions of a rotary drill bit. A number of blades may extend from exterior portions of the drill bit with a number of cutting elements disposed on exterior portions of each blade. Each cutting element may include a substrate with a cutting surface disposed thereon. A respective protector may extend from the cutting surface of one or more cutting elements to limit depth of penetration of the associated cutting element into adjacent portions of a downhole formation and/or to control rate of penetration of an associated rotary drill bit.