Patent ID: 9316061
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: E21B,E21C

Claim Text:
1. A method of degrading a rock formation, comprising: providing a degradation element comprising a substrate bonded to a sintered polycrystalline ceramic comprising a tapering shape and a rounded apex, the rounded apex comprising a curvature with a 0.050 to 0.150 inch radius when viewed from a direction normal to a central axis of the degradation element that intersects the curvature; loading the degradation element along a central axis of the degradation element with 2,000 pounds of load against the rock formation comprising an unconfined compressive strength of 23,000 pounds per square inch, indenting the degradation element into the rock formation 0.018 to 0.026 inches, and forming a 0.046 to 0.064 inch deep crater; crushing a portion of the rock formation to form a shield; and forcing the shield against a virgin portion of the rock formation with the degradation element to fracture the virgin portion.