Patent ID: 6655234
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for constructing a cutting element for a drill bit used in drilling subterranean formations, comprising:forming a substrate of a preselected hard material, the substrate having at least one internal cavity and an attachment surface; filling the at least one internal cavity with a substantially incompressible packed, particulate filler material to a level at least coincident with the attachment surface; forming a superabrasive table on the attachment surface of the substrate and over the substantially incompressible packed, particulate filler material at an elevated temperature of between about 1450 and 1600Â° C. and at a high pressure of at least about 50 kilobar while maintaining a presence of the at least one internal cavity of the substrate with the substantially incompressible filler material; and removing the filler material from the at least one internal cavity.