| US 7,600,581 B2 | ||
| Downhole abrading tools having fusible material and uses therefor | ||
| Yang Xu, Houston, Tex. (US); and Gerald Lynde, Houston, Tex. (US) | ||
| Assigned to Baker Hughes Incorporated, Houston, Tex. (US) | ||
| Filed on May 30, 2008, as Appl. No. 12/156,150. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0230271 A1, Sep. 25, 2008 | ||
| This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer. | ||
| Int. Cl. E21B 12/02 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 175—39 | 19 Claims |
| 17. A method of indicating to an operator of a downhole abrading tool of excessive wear on a cutting end of the downhole abrading
tool, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a downhole abrading tool having a body having a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling
fluid passageway, and a fusible material in the body;
disposing the downhole abrading tool within a well;
contacting the cutting end with an object disposed within the well;
rotating the downhole abrading tool in contact with the object to abrade the object;
flowing a drilling fluid through the drill fluid passageway to facilitate the abrading of the object;
abrading the object for a sufficient amount of time for the fusible material to be exposed to a wellbore environment and combust;
and,
creating by the combustion of the fusible material, an indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool of excessive
wear on the cutting end,
wherein the indication to the operator of the downhole abrading tool comprises a pressure change in a drilling fluid flowing
through the drilling fluid passageway.
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