Convex crested insert with deflected wedge surfaces

Abstract

This invention relates to carbide inserts used on roller cone bits for oil and gas drilling applications as well as for other geological drilling applications, and more specifically, relates to the convex crested insert with deflected wedge surfaces. The insert comprises a cylindrical portion and a crest portion. Said crest portion is composed of a conical crest base, a top surface and two opposing wedge surfaces. Upper ends of the two wedge surfaces are merged smoothly with top surface of the insert. The specific feature of the structure is that top surface of the crest portion is convexed outwardly and forms a smooth curve surface which is higher in the middle and lowers down gradually to each end. Said two wedge surfaces are slant wedge surfaces, so that a width of the top surface and therefore a width of the insert crest are tapered from one end to the other. Advantages of this invention include: 1. Help for rock breaking and therefore, it can increase drilling efficiency of the cutters and lower the overall drilling cost; 2. higher anti-breakage capability and longer working life; and 3. when inserts of this invention are used as heel row cutting elements on bit, contact area between wider end of the top surface of the insert and borehole wall is larger and therefore the gouging action applied on the borehole wall is higher and can also achieve better gage protection of the bit.