Patent ID: 6302223
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A rotary drag bit for drilling a subterranean formation, comprising:a bit body including a face at a leading end thereof, structure for connecting the rotary drag bit to a drill string at a trailing end thereof, and having a longitudinal axis;a plurality of generally radially extending blades extending longitudinally from the face, carrying superabrasive cutting structure thereon and being raked forwardly in a direction of intended bit rotation, the plurity of blades defining fluid courses therebetween extending substantially from the longitudinal axis to a periphery of the face;a plurality of nozzles over the face, at least one nozzle associated with each fluid course; anda plurality of elongated, rotationally, forwardly raked gage pads at a periphery of the bit body, each gage pad being associated with a blade of the plurality of blades and having a longitudinally leading end proximate a rotationally trailing, radially outer end of the blade:wherein radially outer bearing surfaces of the gage pads extend no less than about 180.degree. circumferentially about the bit body.