Real time dull grading

Abstract

A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be one or more electrical circuits that may experience a change in resistance or conductivity due to wear of the bit. The module may determine wear by detecting an open circuit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.

1 . A method of assembling a drill bit, such as for drilling into an earth formation, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components;   introducing a wear detector into the bit; and   providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear.   
   
   
       2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the wear detector comprises at least one electrical circuit. 
   
   
       3 . The method as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the module determines wear by detecting an open circuit. 
   
   
       4 . The method as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein a resistance of the circuit changes as the bit wears. 
   
   
       5 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the wear detector is introduced during formation of the bit. 
   
   
       6 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , further including the step of displaying the bit wear for an operator. 
   
   
       7 . A drill bit assembly, such as for drilling into an earth formation, the assembly comprising:
 a drill bit including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components;   a wear detector within the drill bit; and   a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear.   
   
   
       8 . The assembly as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the wear detector comprises at least one electrical circuit. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the module determines wear by detecting an open circuit. 
   
   
       10 . The assembly as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein a resistance of the circuit changes as the bit wears. 
   
   
       11 . The assembly as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the wear detector is embedded within the bit during formation. 
   
   
       12 . The assembly as set forth in  claim 7 , further including a surface computer configured to display the bit wear for an operator.