Importance

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Abstract

A rotary drag bit equipped with a plurality of cutters, each including a superabrasive cutting face, wherein cutters carried by the bit have at least two differing chamfer geometries adjacent their cutting edges. Chamfer geometries are selected according to location on the face of the bit responsive to the relative ease or difficulty of cutting formation rock and the severity of dynamic loading at that location. The bit face may be characterized as comprising at least two areas or regions bearing cutters having differing chamfer geometries to maximize rate of penetration of the bit while preserving cutter integrity when subjected to differing stresses and encountering zones of the formation exhibiting different strengths. Characteristics, such as hardness, abrasiveness and homogeneity, of the target formation or formations to be drilled by the bit may be considered when selecting appropriate chamfer geometries for the cutters allocated to cut each formation zone opposite the bit face.

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First Claim