Pdc cutter with oval cross-section

Abstract

A drag bit having cutting elements, wherein the cross section of the cutting elements is an oval shape, wherein in one embodiment the major axis is perpendicular to the surface of the drag bit blade. A method is also included, wherein the method comprises using a milling bit having an oval cross section that thereby produces pockets in the drag bit blades for receiving the oval shaped cutting elements. Use of the oval bit also results in a half oval formed at the closed end of the pocket.

1 . A drag bit for use in earth boring operations comprising:
 a drag bit body having a cutting surface on one end and a drill string connection on an opposite end;   a blade formed on the bit body cutting surface; and   a cutting element provided with the blade, the cutting element having an oval cutting face perimeter.   
   
   
       2 . The drag bit of  claim 1 , further comprising a cutter pocket formed in the blade correspondingly shaped to the cutting element, the cutting element disposed in the cutter pocket. 
   
   
       3 . The drag bit of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of blades on the bit body and a plurality of cutting elements on the blades. 
   
   
       4 . The drag bit of  claim 1  further comprising a PDC insert affixed to the cutting face. 
   
   
       5 . The drag bit of  claim 1  further comprising a cutting element having an oval shaped perimeter on the drag bit body between the cutting surface and the drill string connection. 
   
   
       6 . The drag bit of  claim 1  further comprising a drill string having an upper end and a lower end, the drill string lower end affixed to the drill string connection and a top drive connected to the drill string upper end. 
   
   
       7 . The drag bit of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting face surface includes an elongate section, wherein the elongate section oriented substantially perpendicular to the blade. 
   
   
       8 . A method of forming a cutter pocket on a blade of a drag bit used in earth boring operations, the drag bit having a body, the blade extending from the bit body and having a top surface and sides surfaces, the side surfaces extending from the bit body to the top surface, the method comprising:
 activating a milling device having an oval shaped milling bit, thereby rotating the oval shaped milling bit;   positioning the oval shaped milling bit adjacent the blade at a location where the side surface and top surface converge; and   forming a cutter pocket having an oval shaped perimeter by moving the activated oval shaped milling bit through the blade.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising orienting the milling bit normal to the blade top surface. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein a shaft connects the oval shaped milling bit to the milling device, the method further comprising positioning the milling bit shaft above the blade top surface before moving the activated oval shaped milling bit through the blade. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the back end of pocket is oval shaped. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising forming a multiplicity of pockets 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising adding an oval shaped cutting element to the cutter pocket. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the milling bit width exceeds its length. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the milling bit length exceeds its width. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the drag bit comprises a multiplicity of blades on the bit body thereby defining spaces between adjacent blades, the method further comprising disposing the oval shaped milling bit within the space between adjacent blades. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising including the drag bit with a drilling system and forming a wellbore.