Patent ID: 8020641
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: B22F,C22C,E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of optimizing a drill bit, such as for drilling a well into an earth formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming a bit body with a plurality of blades, each blade having a cone section, a nose section, a shoulder section, and a gage section, each blade having a face with a row of individual cutter pockets at least partially recessed therein; and securing a cutting element at least partially within each of the pockets, each cutting element having an individual diamond volume with a total diamond volume being a sum of the individual diamond volumes; wherein distribution of a total diamond volume is optimized to manage a wear flat area of the drill bit, wherein the distribution of the total diamond volume varies from the cone section to the gage section, and wherein the distribution of the total diamond volume decreases from the nose section to the shoulder section.