Rotary drag-type drill bits and methods of designing such bits

摘要

The invention provides a rotary drag-type drill bit in which the relationship of torque to rotary bit speed is such that torque generally increases with bit speed. Such a bit has a reduced tendency to exhibit the phenomenon known as "stick-slip" while drilling, when compared with bits having a different torque /speed characteristic, as a result of the positive damping effect of the torque/speed relationship. One method of designing such a drill bit comprises ascertaining the torque/rotary bit speed relationship, or other correlated relationships, for a number of different drill bit designs and then selecting from those designs a design having the desired type of relationship. Examples of drill bit structures specifically designed to achieve the desired torque/speed relationship are also disclosed. <IMAGE>