Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Matt Barnes

Bradley David Dunbar

Van Jordan Brackin

Brody Dunn

Robert Warner

Systems and methods for downhole drilling and, more particularly, hydraulic control systems and methods for hydraulically locking and unlocking moveable elements of a drill bit are provided. A drill bit may include a body; a moveable element secured to the body, wherein the moveable element is configured to extend or retract from a surface of the drill bit; a communication channel from the moveable element to a bore in the body; and a hydraulic control system at least partially disposed in the body, wherein the hydraulic control system is configured to at least provide fluid communication from the bore to the communication channel to thereby lock or unlock the moveable element.

Multiple selectable pressure driven devices on a drill bit

A drilling system, assembly, and method may help optimize drilling in a system that involves more than one rotary tool that engages the formation. A rotary tool may be a rotary cutting tool, such as a drill bit or reamer, or some other rotary tool (e.g. stabilizer or rotary steerable tool) that has the potential to drag on the wall of the hole being drilled and take energy away from cutting. In an example, a wellbore or portion thereof is formed by rotating a first rotary cutting tool having a first cutting structure in engagement with one portion of the formation together with a second rotary cutting tool having a second cutting structure in engagement with another portion of the formation. Forces are obtained above and below the second cutting structure. One or more drilling parameter or drill bit design parameter are adjusted in relation to a force differential between the forces above and below the second cutting structure.

Growing community of inventors

Conroe, TX, United States of America

Matt Barnes