Superabrasive elements, methods of manufacturing, and drill bits including same

Abstract

Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate and a preformed superabrasive volume may be at least partially surrounded by an enclosure and the enclosure may be sealed in an inert environment. Further, the enclosure may be exposed to an elevated pressure and preformed superabrasive volume may be affixed to the substrate. Polycrystalline diamond elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond element may comprise a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume bonded to a substrate by a braze material. Optionally, such a polycrystalline diamond element may exhibit a compressive stress. Rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A polycrystalline diamond compact, comprising: a cemented carbide substrate including at least one material selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, and cobalt; and a coherent matrix of bonded diamond grains defining a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body with a plurality of interstitial regions between the coherent matrix of bonded diamond grains, the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body including: an upper surface; a nonplanar interfacial surface; a side surface extending between the upper surface and the non-planar interfacial surface; and a chamfer extending between the side surface and the upper surface, wherein the chamfer has a length less than a length of the side surface; wherein the nonplanar interfacial surface of the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body is bonded directly to the substrate and the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body further comprises: a first region extending inwardly from the nonplanar interfacial surface and including the at least one material; and a leached second region from which the at least one material has been at least partially removed, the second region extending inwardly from the upper surface.

2. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 1 wherein the at least one material has infiltrated the first region.

3. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 2 wherein the at least one material has infiltrated the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body from the substrate.

4. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 1 wherein the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body was initially formed with a catalyst that was subsequently leached therefrom.

5. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 1 wherein the substrate includes a tungsten carbide.

6. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 1 wherein the nonplanar interfacial surface of the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body exhibits a selected nonplanar topography.

7. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 6 wherein the at least one material is selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt.

8. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 7 wherein the at least one material comprises cobalt.

9. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 7 wherein the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body is substantially cylindrical.

10. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 7 wherein the substrate is substantially cylindrical.

11. A rotary drill bit, comprising: a bit body configured to engage a subterranean formation; and a plurality of polycrystalline diamond cutting elements affixed to the bit body, at least one of the polycrystalline diamond cutting elements including: a cemented carbide substrate including at least one material selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, and cobalt; and a coherent matrix of bonded diamond grains defining a pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body with a plurality of interstitial regions between the coherent matrix of bonded diamond grains, the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body including: an upper surface; a nonplanar interfacial surface; a side surface extending between the upper surface and the non-planar interfacial surface; and a chamfer extending between the side surface and the upper surface wherein the chamfer has a length less than a length of the side surface; wherein the nonplanar interfacial surface of the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body is bonded directly to the substrate and the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body further comprises: a first region extending inwardly from the nonplanar interfacial surface and including the at least one material; and a leached second region from which the at least one material has been at least partially removed, the second region extending inwardly from the upper surface.

12. The drill bit of claim 11 wherein the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body was initially formed with a catalyst that was subsequently leached therefrom.

13. The drill bit of claim 11 wherein the cemented carbide substrate includes a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate.

14. The drill bit of claim 11 wherein the nonplanar interfacial surface of the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body exhibits a selected nonplanar topography.

15. The drill bit of claim 11 wherein the at least one material is selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt.

16. The drill bit of claim 15 wherein the at least one material is cobalt.

17. The drill bit of claim 16 wherein the cobalt is leached from the leached second region.

18. The polycrystalline diamond compact of claim 1 wherein the pre-sintered polycrystalline diamond body includes a single diamond layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features of the subject matter of the instant disclosure, its nature, and various advantages will be more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments, are representations, and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a method for forming a polycrystalline diamond element according to the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for forming a superabrasive element according to the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of an enclosure assembly including a preformed superabrasive volume, a substrate, a sealant, an enclosure body, and an enclosure cap;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of the enclosure assembly shown in FIG. 8, wherein the sealant seals the enclosure assembly;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an enclosure assembly;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of an addition embodiment of an enclosure assembly;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an enclosure assembly;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of an enclosure assembly including a preformed superabrasive volume, a substrate comprising a superabrasive compact, a sealant, an enclosure body, and an enclosure cap;

(15) FIG. 14 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of the enclosure assembly shown in FIG. 13, wherein the sealant seals the enclosure assembly;

(16) FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of a method for forming a superabrasive compact;

(17) FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a superabrasive compact;

(18) FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a superabrasive compact;

(19) FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a rotary drill bit including at least one superabrasive cutting element according to the present invention; and

(20) FIG. 19 shows a top elevation view of the rotary drill bit shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(21) The present invention relates generally to structures comprising at least one superabrasive material (e.g., diamond, cubic boron nitride, silicon carbide, mixtures of the foregoing, or any material exhibiting a hardness exceeding a hardness of tungsten carbide) and methods of manufacturing such structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a preformed (i.e., sintered) superabrasive mass or volume that is bonded to a substrate. The phrase preformed superabrasive volume, as used herein, means a mass or volume comprising at least one superabrasive material which has been at least partially bonded or at least partially sintered to form a coherent structure or matrix. For example, polycrystalline diamond may be one embodiment of a preformed superabrasive volume. In another example, a superabrasive material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,641, filed 19 Apr. 2005 and entitled Diamond-silicon carbide composite, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference may comprise a preformed superabrasive volume.

(22) Generally, the present invention relates to methods and structures related to sealing a superabrasive in an inert environment. The phrase inert environment, as used herein, means an environment that inhibits oxidation. Explaining further, an inert environment may be, for instance, at least substantially devoid of oxygen. A vacuum (i.e., generating a pressure less than an ambient atmospheric pressure) is one example of an inert environment. Creating a surrounding environment comprising a noble or inert gas such that oxidation is inhibited is another example of an inert environment. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inert environment is not limited to a vacuum. Inert gases, such as argon, nitrogen, or helium, in suitable concentrations may provide an oxidation-inhibiting environment. Of course, the inert gases listed above serve merely to illustrate the concept and in no way constitute an exhaustive list. Further, gasses, liquids, and/or solids may (in selected combination or taken alone) may form an inert environment, without limitation.

(23) In one embodiment of a method of manufacturing a superabrasive element, a preformed superabrasive volume and a substrate may be exposed to a HPHT process within an enclosure that is hermetically sealed in an inert environment prior to performing the HPHT process. Such a method may be employed to form a superabrasive element with desirable characteristics. For instance, in one embodiment, such a process may allow for bonding of a so-called thermally-stable product (TSP) or thermally-stable diamond (TSD) to a substrate to form a polycrystalline diamond element. Such a polycrystalline diamond element may exhibit a desirable residual stress field and desirable thermal stability characteristics.

(24) As described above, manufacturing polycrystalline diamond involves the compression of diamond particles under extremely high pressure. Such compression may occur at room temperature, at least initially, and may result in the reduction of void space in the diamond powder due to brittle crushing, sliding, stacking, and/or otherwise consolidating of the diamond particles. Thus, the diamond particles may sustain very high local pressures where they contact one another, but the pressures experienced on noncontacting surfaces of the diamond particles and in the interstitial voids may be, comparatively, low. Manufacturing polycrystalline diamond further involves heating the diamond particles. Such heating may increase the temperature of the diamond powder from room temperature at least to the melting point of a solvent catalyst. Portions of the diamond particles under high local pressures may remain diamond, even at elevated temperatures. However, regions of the diamond particles that are not under high local pressure may begin to graphitize as temperature of such regions increases. Further, as a solvent-catalyst melts, it may infiltrate or sweep through the diamond particles. In addition, as known in the art, a solvent catalyst (e.g., cobalt, nickel, iron, etc.) may dissolve and transport carbon between the diamond grains and facilitate diamond formation. Thus, the presence of solvent catalyst may facilitate the formation of diamond-to-diamond bonds in the sintered polycrystalline diamond material, resulting in formation of a coherent skeleton or matrix of bonded diamond particles or grains.

(25) Further, manufacturing polycrystalline diamond may involve compressing under extremely high pressure a mixtures of diamond particles and elements or alloys containing elements which react with carbon to form stable carbides to act as a bonding agent for the diamond particles. Materials such as silicon, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, hafnium, chromium, vanadium, scandium, and boron and others would be suitable bonding agents. Such compression may occur at room temperature, at least initially, and may result in the reduction of void space in the diamond mixture due to brittle crushing, sliding, stacking, and/or otherwise consolidating of the diamond particles. Thus, the diamond particles may sustain very high local pressures where they contact one another, but the pressures experienced on noncontacting surfaces of the diamond particles and in the interstitial voids may be, comparatively, low. Manufacturing polycrystalline diamond further involves heating the diamond mixture. Such heating may increase the temperature of the diamond mixture from room temperature at least to the melting point of the bonding agent. Portions of the diamond particles under high local pressures may remain diamond, even at elevated temperatures. However, regions of the diamond particles that are not under high local pressure may begin to graphitize as temperature of such regions increases. Further, as the bonding agent melts, it may infiltrate or sweep through the diamond particles. Because of their affinity for carbon, the bonding agent elements react extensively or completely with the diamonds to form interstitial carbide phases at the interfaces which provide a strong bond between the diamond crystals. Moreover, any graphite formed during the heating process is largely or completely converted into stable carbide phases as fast as it is formed. This stable carbide phase surrounds individual diamond crystals and bonds them to form a dense, hard compact. As mentioned above, one example of such a superabrasive material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,641.

(26) One aspect of the present invention relates to affixing a preformed superabrasive volume to a substrate. More particularly, the present invention contemplates that one embodiment of a method of manufacturing may comprise providing a preformed superabrasive volume and a substrate and sealing the preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of the substrate within an enclosure in an inert environment. Put another way, a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate may be encapsulated within an enclosure and in an inert environment. Further, the method may further comprise affixing the preformed superabrasive volume to the substrate while exposing the enclosure to an elevated pressure (i.e., any pressure exceeding an ambient atmospheric pressure; e.g., exceeding about 20 kilobar, at least about 60 kilobar, or between about 20 kilobar and about 60 kilobar). Generally, any method of affixing the preformed superabrasive volume to the substrate may be employed.

(27) In one embodiment, subsequent to enclosing and sealing the preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of the substrate within the enclosure, the enclosure may be subjected to a HPHT process. Generally, a HPHT process includes developing an elevated pressure and an elevated temperature. As used herein, the phrase HPHT process means to generate a pressure of at least about 20 kilobar and a temperature of at least about 800 Celsius. In one example, a pressure of at least about 60 kilobar may be developed. Regarding temperature, in one example, a temperature of at least about 1,350 Celsius may be developed. Further, such a HPHT process may cause the preformed superabrasive volume to become affixed to the substrate. For example, a braze material may also be enclosed within the enclosure and may be at least partially melted during the HPHT process to affix the superabrasive volume to the substrate upon cooling of the braze material.

(28) One aspect of the present invention contemplates that a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate may be sealed, in an inert environment, within an enclosure. Generally, any methods or systems may be employed for sealing, in an inert environment, a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate within an enclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,902 to Hara, the disclosure of which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/654,512 to Hall, et al., filed 3 Sep. 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference, each disclose methods and systems related to sealing an enclosure in an inert environment.

(29) For example, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram representing a manufacturing method for forming a superabrasive element. As shown in FIG. 1, a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate may be sealed, in an inert environment, within an enclosure. Further, the enclosure may be exposed to a HPHT process. Thus, in general, method 1 may comprise a sealing action 2 and a HPHT process 4. During the HPHT process 4, at least one constituent (e.g., a metal) of the substrate and/or the preformed superabrasive volume may at least partially melt. Further, upon cooling, the preformed superabrasive volume may be affixed to the substrate.

(30) Optionally, such a process may generate a residual stress field within each of the superabrasive volume and the substrate. Explaining further, a coefficient of thermal expansion of a superabrasive material may be substantially less than a coefficient of expansion of a substrate. In one example, a preformed superabrasive volume may comprise a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume and a substrate may comprise cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. The present invention contemplates that selectively controlling the temperature and/or pressure during a HPHT process may allow for selectively tailoring a residual stress field developed within a preformed superabrasive volume and/or a substrate to which the superabrasive volume is affixed. Furthermore, the presence of a residual stress field developed within the superabrasive and/or the substrate may be beneficial.

(31) FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram representing another embodiment of a method 1 for forming a superabrasive element, the method comprising a sealing action 2 and a heating action 6. As shown in FIG. 2, sealing action 2 may include sealing, in an inert environment, a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate within an enclosure. Further, at least one constituent of the preformed superabrasive volume, the substrate, or both may be at least partially melted. At least partially melting of such at least one constituent may cause the preformed superabrasive volume to be affixed or bonded to the substrate. Such a method 1 may be relatively effective for bonding a preformed superabrasive volume to a substrate.

(32) Another aspect of the present invention relates to bonding or affixing a preformed superabrasive volume to a substrate by at least partially melting a braze material. For example, FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a manufacturing method 1 for forming a superabrasive element, the method comprising a sealing action 2 and a HPHT process 4. As shown in FIG. 3, sealing action 2 may include sealing, in an inert environment, a preformed superabrasive volume, a braze material and at least a portion of a substrate within an enclosure. Relative to polycrystalline diamond, exemplary diamond brazes may be referred to as Group Ib solvents (e.g., copper, silver, and gold) and may optionally contain one or more carbide former (e.g., titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, or rhenium, without limitation). Accordingly, exemplary compositions may include gold-tantalum AuTa, silver-copper-titanium (AgCuTi), or any mixture of any Group Ib solvent(s) and, optionally, one or more carbide former. Other suitable braze materials may include a metal from Group VIII in the periodic table, (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and/or platinum, or alloys/mixtures thereof, without limitation). In one embodiment, a braze material may comprise an alloy of about 4.5% titanium, about 26.7% copper, and about 68.8% silver, otherwise known as TICUSIL, which is currently commercially available from Wesgo Metals, Hayward, Calif. In a further embodiment, a braze material may comprise an alloy of about 25% silver, about 37% copper, about 10% nickel, about 15% palladium, and about 13% manganese, otherwise known as PALNICUROM 10, which is also currently commercially available from Wesgo Metals, Hayward, Calif. In an additional embodiment, a braze material may comprise an alloy of about 64% iron and about 36% nickel, commonly referred to as Invar. In yet a further embodiment, a braze material may comprise a single metal such as for example, cobalt. Sealing action 2, in an inert environment, may provide a beneficial environment for proper functioning of the braze alloy. In particular, sealing action 2, in an inert environment at least substantially eliminates oxygen from the braze joint, which may significantly improve the strength of the bond. Further, the superabrasive volume, braze material, and substrate may be exposed to a HPHT process 4. Such a HPHT process 4 may cause the superabrasive volume to be affixed to the substrate via the braze material. Furthermore, such a method 1 may provide a beneficial residual stress field as described above.

(33) In a further example, FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram representing an additional manufacturing method 1 for forming a superabrasive element. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 4, manufacturing method 1 includes a sealing action 2 and a heating action 6. Sealing action 2 may include sealing, in an inert environment, a preformed superabrasive volume, a braze material, and at least a portion of a substrate. Furthermore, the braze material may be at least partially melted by heating action 6. Such a heating action 6, in combination with cooling of the braze material to cause solidification of the braze material, may cause the superabrasive volume to be affixed to the substrate via the braze material.

(34) In another example, FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram representing an additional manufacturing method 1 for forming a superabrasive element, the method 1 comprising a sealing action 2, a pressurization action 5, and a heating action 6. As shown in FIG. 5, a preformed superabrasive volume, a braze material, and at least a portion of a substrate may be sealed in an inert environment within an enclosure. In addition, the enclosure may be exposed to an elevated pressure. More particularly, the enclosure may be exposed to a pressure exceeding an ambient atmospheric pressure (e.g., at least about 60 kilobar). Further, the braze material may be at least partially melted. Optionally, the braze material may be at least partially melted while the elevated pressure is applied to the enclosure. In one embodiment, a braze material may exhibit a melting temperature of about 900 Celsius in the case of TICUSIL. In another embodiment, a braze material may exhibit a melting temperature of about 1013 Celsius in the case of PALNICUROM 10. In a further embodiment, a braze material may exhibit a melting temperature of about 1427 Celsius in the case of Invar. In yet a further embodiment, a braze material may exhibit a melting temperature of about 1493 Celsius in the case of cobalt. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the actual melting temperature of a braze material is dependent on the pressure applied to the braze material and the composition of the braze material. Accordingly, the values listed above are merely for reference.

(35) Of course, the braze material may be at least partially melted during exposure of the enclosure to an elevated pressure. In addition, the braze material may be cooled (i.e., at least partially solidified) while the enclosure is exposed to the selected, elevated pressure (e.g., exceeding about 20 kilobar, at least about 60 kilobar, or between about 20 kilobar and about 60 kilobar). Such sealing action 2, pressurization action 5, and heating action 6 may affix or bond the preformed superabrasive volume to the substrate. Moreover, solidifying the braze material while the enclosure is exposed to an elevated pressure exceeding an ambient atmospheric pressure may develop a selected level of residual stress within the superabrasive element upon cooling to ambient temperatures and upon release of the elevated pressure.

(36) The present invention contemplates that an article of manufacture comprising a superabrasive volume may be manufactured by performing the above-described processes or variants thereof. In one example, apparatuses including polycrystalline diamond may be useful for cutting elements, heat sinks, wire dies, and bearing apparatuses, without limitation. Accordingly, a preformed superabrasive volume may comprise preformed polycrystalline diamond. Thus, a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume may be formed by any suitable process, without limitation. Optionally, such a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume may be a so-called thermally stable polycrystalline diamond material. For example, a catalyst material (e.g., cobalt, nickel, iron, or any other catalyst material), which may be used to initially form the polycrystalline diamond volume, may be at least partially removed (e.g., by acid leaching or as otherwise known in the art) from the polycrystalline diamond volume. In one embodiment, a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume that is substantially free of a catalyzing material may be affixed or bonded to a substrate. Such a polycrystalline diamond apparatus may exhibit desirable wear characteristics. In addition, as described above, such a polycrystalline diamond apparatus may exhibit a selected residual stress field that is developed within the polycrystalline diamond volume and/or the substrate.

(37) FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a method 1 for forming a polycrystalline diamond element, the method 1 comprising a sealing action 2 and a HPHT process 4. As shown in FIG. 6, sealing action 2 may include sealing, in an inert environment, a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume, a braze material, and at least a portion of a substrate. Further, the superabrasive volume, braze material, and substrate may be exposed to a HPHT process 4. Such a HPHT process 4 may cause the polycrystalline diamond volume to be affixed to the substrate via the braze material. Furthermore, a polycrystalline diamond element so formed may exhibit the beneficial residual stress characteristics described above.

(38) FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram representing another embodiment of a method 1 for forming a polycrystalline diamond element, the method 1 comprising a sealing action 2, a pressurization action 5, and a heating action 6. As shown in FIG. 7, a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume, a braze material, and at least a portion of a substrate may be sealed in an inert environment within an enclosure. In addition, the enclosure may be exposed to an elevated pressure. More particularly, the enclosure may be exposed to a pressure exceeding an ambient atmospheric pressure (e.g., exceeding about 20 kilobar, at least about 60 kilobar, or between about 20 kilobar and about 60 kilobar). Further, the braze material may be at least partially melted. Of course, the braze material may be at least partially melted during exposure of the enclosure to an elevated pressure, prior to such exposure, after such exposure, or any combination of the foregoing. In addition, the braze material may be solidified while the enclosure is exposed to a selected, elevated pressure (e.g., exceeding about 20 kilobar, at least about 60 kilobar, or between about 20 kilobar and about 60 kilobar). In other embodiments, the braze material may be solidified prior to such exposure, after such exposure, or any combination of the foregoing. Such a sealing action 2 and a heating action 6 may affix or bond the preformed polycrystalline diamond volume to the substrate. Moreover, solidifying the braze material while the enclosure is exposed to an elevated pressure may develop a selected level of residual stress within the polycrystalline diamond element (i.e., the polycrystalline diamond volume, the braze material, and/or the substrate) upon cooling to ambient temperatures and upon release of the elevated pressure.

(39) As described above, the present invention contemplates that a superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate may be enclosed within an enclosure. FIGS. 8-14 show features and attributes of some embodiments of enclosures, preformed superabrasive structures, and substrates that may be employed by the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of an enclosure assembly 10 including a preformed superabrasive volume 30, a substrate 20, a sealant 16, an enclosure body 14, and an enclosure cap 12. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, a braze material 28 may be positioned between the preformed superabrasive volume 30 and the substrate 20. In addition, optionally, a sealant inhibitor 18 (a sealant barrier) may be applied to at least a portion of a surface of substrate 20 to inhibit or prevent sealant 16 (upon melting) from adhering to selected surface regions of substrate 20. Further, the enclosure assembly 10 may be placed in an inert environment and heated so that sealant 16 at least partially melts (or otherwise deforms, hardens, adheres to, or conforms) and seals opening 15 defined by enclosure body 14. Put another way, sealant 16 may be at least partially melted to seal between enclosure cap 12 and enclosure body 14. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other sealing processes or mechanisms may be employed for sealing an enclosure assembly (e.g., enclosure assembly 10). For instance, an enclosure assembly may be sealed by welding (e.g., laser welding, arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, resistance welding, electron beam welding, or any other welding process), soldering, swaging, crimping, brazing, or by any suitable sealant (e.g., silicone, rubber, epoxy, etc.). In another embodiment, an enclosure assembly may be sealed by sealing elements (e.g., O-rings), threaded or other mechanical connections, other material joining methods (e.g., adhesives, sealants, etc.) or by any mechanisms or structures suitable for sealing an enclosure assembly, without limitation.

(40) Further, enclosure assembly 10 may be exposed to a vacuum (i.e., a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure) and sealant 16 may form a sealed enclosure assembly 80, as shown in FIG. 9 in a schematic, side cross-sectional view. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 9, sealant 16 has sealed (or otherwise deformed) between enclosure cap 12 and enclosure body 14 as well as between substrate 20 and enclosure body 14 to seal the preformed superabrasive volume 30, braze material 28, and substrate 20 within an enclosure. Sealed enclosure assembly 80 may inhibit the presence of undesirable contaminants proximate to preformed superabrasive volume 30, substrate 20, or, optionally, braze material 28. More particularly, sealed enclosure assembly 80 may reduce or eliminate the formation of oxides on surfaces of the preformed superabrasive volume 30, the substrate 20, or both. The presence of oxides on surface(s) of one or both of the superabrasive volume and the substrate may interfere with bonding of the superabrasive volume and the substrate to one another. Thus, it may be understood that sealed enclosure assembly 80 may form a relatively robust and/or reliable structure for use in bonding the preformed superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20.

(41) FIG. 10 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a different embodiment of an enclosure assembly 10 including an enclosure cap 12, sealant 16, enclosure body 14, intermediate closure element 32, substrate 20, and preformed superabrasive volume 30. As described above, optionally sealant inhibitor 18, braze material 28, or both, may be included by enclosure assembly 10. Explaining further, enclosure assembly 10 may be exposed to a vacuum by way of a vacuum chamber operably coupled to a vacuum pump or as otherwise known in the art. In addition, sealant 16 may be at least partially melted (i.e., while in an inert environment) so that the gaps between intermediate closure element 32 and enclosure body 14 are sealed. Optionally, gaps between enclosure cap 12 and enclosure body 14 may be sealed. Such a configuration may provide a relatively effective and reliable sealing structure for sealing the preformed superabrasive volume 30 and the substrate 20 within an enclosure and in an inert environment.

(42) Of course, the present invention contemplates many variations relative to the structure and configuration of an enclosure for sealing a preformed superabrasive volume and a substrate in an inert environment. For example, FIG. 11 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an enclosure assembly 10 including an enclosure cap 12, sealant 16, enclosure body 14, intermediate closure element 32, preformed superabrasive volume 30, and substrate 20. As discussed above, optionally, sealant inhibitor 18, braze material 28, or both, may be included within an enclosure assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 11, sealant 16A may be positioned and configured to seal between intermediate closure element 32 and enclosure body 14, enclosure cap 12, and enclosure body 14, or both. In addition, sealant 16B may be configured to seal between an outer periphery of enclosure body 14 and an inner periphery of enclosure cap 12. Thus, it may be appreciated that a plurality of sealants may be positioned and configured for forming a plurality of seals between an enclosure body, an enclosure cap, and/or optionally an intermediate closure element. A plurality of seal structures forming an enclosure may be desirable to provide a robust, fail safe, or robust and fail safe sealed enclosure for enclosing a preformed superabrasive volume and at least a portion of a substrate.

(43) As mentioned above, the present invention contemplates that a braze material is optional for affixing a preformed superabrasive volume to a substrate. Explaining further, at least one constituent of a substrate, at least one constituent of a preformed superabrasive volume, or a combination of the foregoing may be employed to affix the preformed superabrasive volume to the substrate. For example, FIG. 12 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of an enclosure assembly 10 including an enclosure body 14, sealant 16, substrate 20, and preformed superabrasive volume 30. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12, sealant inhibitor 18 may be positioned to inhibit or prevent sealant 16 from interacting with the preformed superabrasive volume 30. It should be understood that preformed superabrasive volume 30 comprises a sintered structure formed by a previous HPHT process. For example, preformed superabrasive volume 30 may comprise a polycrystalline diamond structure (e.g., a diamond table) or any other sintered superabrasive material, without limitation. In other embodiments, preformed superabrasive volume 30 may comprise boron nitride, silicon carbide, fullerenes, or a material having a hardness exceeding a hardness of tungsten carbide, without limitation. In one example, substrate 20 may comprise a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. Accordingly, at elevated temperatures and pressures, such cobalt may at least partially melt and infiltrate or wet the preformed superabrasive volume 30. Upon solidification of the cobalt, substrate 20 and preformed superabrasive volume 30 may be affixed to one another.

(44) In another embodiment, a substrate may comprise a superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact). For example, FIG. 13 shows a schematic, side cross-sectional view of an enclosure assembly 10 including an enclosure cap 12, a sealant 16, an enclosure body 14, a preformed superabrasive volume 30, and a substrate 20. In one embodiment, the substrate 20 may comprise a base 21 and a superabrasive table 40 (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond table) formed upon the base 21. Put another way, substrate 20 may comprise a superabrasive compact comprising a superabrasive table 40 formed upon the base 21. Optionally, braze material 29 may be positioned between preformed superabrasive volume 30 and superabrasive table 40. As described above and shown in a schematic, side cross-sectional view in FIG. 14, a sealed enclosure assembly 80 may be formed, in an inert environment, by melting sealant 16 to form a sealed enclosure 80.

(45) FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of a method for forming a superabrasive compact 100. Particularly, as described above, a preformed superabrasive volume 40 may be positioned adjacent to a substrate 20 and may be sealed within an enclosure by way of a sealing action 2 to form a sealed enclosure assembly 80. Further, a sealed enclosure assembly 80 may be subjected to both a pressurizing action 5 and a heating action 6 (e.g., a HPHT process) to affix substrate 20 and preformed superabrasive volume 30. Of course, other structural elements (e.g., metal cans, graphite structures, salt structures, pyrophyllite or other pressure transmitting structures, or other containers or supporting elements or materials) may be employed for subjecting a sealed enclosure assembly 80 to both a pressurizing action 5 and a heating action 6. Thus, substrate 20 and preformed superabrasive volume 30 may be bonded to one another to form superabrasive compact 100, as shown in FIG. 15

(46) More particularly, FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a superabrasive compact 100. As shown in FIG. 16, substrate 20 may be substantially cylindrical and preformed superabrasive volume 30 may also be substantially cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 16, substrate 20 and superabrasive volume 30 may be bonded to one another along an interface 33. Interface 33 is defined between substrate 20 and superabrasive volume 30 and may exhibit a selected nonplanar topography, if desired, without limitation. Further, optionally, a braze material may be positioned between substrate 20 and preformed superabrasive volume 30. Further, a selected superabrasive table edge geometry 31 may be formed prior to bonding of the superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20 or subsequent to bonding of the superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20. For example, edge geometry 31 may comprise a chamfer, buttress, any other edge geometry, or combinations of the foregoing and may be formed by grinding, electro-discharge machining, or by other machining or shaping processes. Also, a substrate edge geometry 23 may be formed upon substrate 20 by any machining process or by any other suitable process. Further, such substrate edge geometry 23 may be formed prior to or subsequent to bonding of the superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20, without limitation. Of course, in one embodiment, the present invention contemplates that preformed superabrasive volume 30 may comprise a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume which may be affixed to a substrate 20 comprising a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate to form a polycrystalline diamond element. For example, such a polycrystalline diamond element may be useful for, for example, cutting processes or bearing surface applications, among other applications.

(47) In another embodiment, a superabrasive compact may include a plurality of superabrasive volumes. Put another way, the present invention contemplates that a preformed superabrasive volume may be bonded to a superabrasive layer or table of a superabrasive compact. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a plurality of preformed superabrasive volumes may be bonded to one another (and to a superabrasive compact or other substrate) by appropriately positioning (e.g., stacking) each of the plurality of preformed superabrasive volumes generally within an enclosure and exposing the enclosure to an increased temperature, elevated pressure, or both, as described herein, without limitation. Optionally, at least one preformed superabrasive volume and one or more layers of superabrasive particulate (i.e., powder) may be exposed to elevated pressure and temperature sufficient to sinter the superabrasive particulate and bond the at least one preformed superabrasive volume to the superabrasive compact.

(48) FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a superabrasive compact 100 comprising a preformed superabrasive volume 30 bonded to a superabrasive table 40 which is formed upon a base 21. Of course, base 21 and superabrasive table 40 may be described as a superabrasive compact and may comprise, without limitation, a polycrystalline diamond compact. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, superabrasive table 40 may be preformed prior to bonding of preformed superabrasive volume 30 thereto. In another embodiment, superabrasive table 40 may be formed by sintering superabrasive particulate during bonding of preformed superabrasive volume 30 to superabrasive table 40. As shown in FIG. 17, superabrasive table 40 and preformed superabrasive volume 30 may be bonded to one another along an interface 33. Interface 33 may be defined between superabrasive table 40 and superabrasive volume 30 and may exhibit a selected nonplanar topography, if desired, without limitation. Further, optionally, a braze material may comprise interface 33 between superabrasive table 40 and preformed superabrasive volume 30. Further, a selected superabrasive table edge geometry 31 may be formed upon superabrasive volume 30 prior to bonding of the superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20 or subsequent to bonding of the superabrasive volume 30 to the substrate 20. For example, a chamfer, buttress, or other edge geometry may comprise edge geometry 31 and may be formed by grinding, electro-discharge machining, or as otherwise known in the art. Similarly, a substrate edge geometry 23 may be formed upon substrate 20, as described above. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates that preformed superabrasive volume 30 and superabrasive table 40 may each comprise polycrystalline diamond and base 21 may comprise cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. Such a polycrystalline diamond element may be useful for, among other applications, cutting processes or bearing surface applications.

(49) The present invention contemplates that the method and apparatuses discussed above may be polycrystalline diamond that is initially formed with a catalyst and from which such catalyst is at least partially removed. Explaining further, during sintering, a catalyst material (e.g., cobalt, nickel, etc.) may be employed for facilitating formation of polycrystalline diamond. More particularly, diamond powder placed adjacent to a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate and subjected to a HPHT sintering process may wick or sweep molten cobalt into the diamond powder. In other embodiments, catalyst may be provided within the diamond powder, as a layer of material between the substrate and diamond powder, or as otherwise known in the art. In either case, such cobalt may remain in the polycrystalline diamond table upon sintering and cooling. As also known in the art, such a catalyst material may be at least partially removed (e.g., by acid-leaching or as otherwise known in the art) from at least a portion of the volume of polycrystalline diamond (e.g., a table) formed upon a substrate or otherwise formed. Catalyst removal may be substantially complete to a selected depth from an exterior surface of the polycrystalline diamond table, if desired, without limitation. Such catalyst removal may provide a polycrystalline diamond material with increased thermal stability, which may also beneficially affect the wear resistance of the polycrystalline diamond material.

(50) More particularly, relative to the above-discussed methods and superabrasive elements, the present invention contemplates that a preformed superabrasive volume may be at least partially depleted of catalyst material. In one embodiment, a preformed superabrasive volume may be at least partially depleted of a catalyst material prior to bonding to a substrate. In another embodiment, a preformed superabrasive volume may be bonded to a substrate by any of the methods (or variants thereof) discussed above and, subsequently, a catalyst material may be at least partially removed from the preformed superabrasive volume. In either case, for example, a preformed polycrystalline diamond volume may initially include cobalt that may be subsequently at least partially removed (optionally, substantially all of the cobalt may be removed) from the preformed polycrystalline diamond volume (e.g., by an acid leaching process or any other process, without limitation).

(51) It should be understood that superabrasive compacts are utilized in many applications. For instance, wire dies, bearings, artificial joints, inserts, cutting elements, and heat sinks may include polycrystalline diamond. Thus, the present invention contemplates that any of the methods encompassed by the above-discussion related to forming superabrasive element may be employed for forming an article of manufacture comprising polycrystalline diamond. As mentioned above, in one example, an article of manufacture may comprise polycrystalline diamond. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates that a volume of polycrystalline diamond may be affixed to a substrate. Some examples of articles of manufacture comprising polycrystalline diamond are disclosed by, inter alia, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,801, 4,268,276, 4,410,054, 4,468,138, 4,560,014, 4,738,322, 4,913,247, 5,016,718, 5,092,687, 5,120,327, 5,135,061, 5,154,245, 5,364,192, 5,368,398, 5,460,233, 5,480,233, 5,544,713, and 6,793,681. Thus, the present invention contemplates that any process encompassed herein may be employed for forming superabrasive elements/compacts (e.g., PDC cutters or polycrystalline diamond wear elements) for such apparatuses or the like.

(52) As may be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, the present invention further contemplates that at least one superabrasive cutting element as described above may be coupled to a rotary drill bit for subterranean drilling. Such a configuration may provide a cutting element with enhanced wear resistance in comparison to a conventionally formed cutting element. For example, FIGS. 18 and 19 show a perspective view and a top elevation view, respectively, of an example of an exemplary rotary drill bit 301 of the present invention including superabrasive cutting elements 340 and/or 342 secured the bit body 321 of rotary drill bit 301. Superabrasive cutting elements 340 and/or 342 may be manufactured according to the above-described processes of the present invention, may have structural characteristics as described above, or both. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, superabrasive cutting element 340 may comprise at least one preformed superabrasive volume 347 (e.g., comprising polycrystalline diamond, boron nitride, silicon carbide, etc.) bonded to substrate 346. Similarly, superabrasive cutting element 342 may comprise at least one preformed superabrasive volume 345 bonded to substrate 344. Generally, rotary drill bit 301 includes a bit body 321 which defines a leading end structure for drilling into a subterranean formation by rotation about longitudinal axis 311 and application of weight-on-bit. More particularly, rotary drill bit 301 may include radially and longitudinally extending blades 310 including leading faces 334. Further, circumferentially adjacent blades 310 define so-called junk slots 338 therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, rotary drill bit 301 may also include, optionally, superabrasive cutting elements 308 (e.g., generally cylindrical cutting elements such as PDC cutters) which may be conventional, if desired. Additionally, rotary drill bit 301 includes nozzle cavities 318 for communicating drilling fluid from the interior of the rotary drill bit 301 to the superabrasive cutting elements 308, face 339, and threaded pin connection 360 for connecting the rotary drill bit 301 to a drilling string, as known in the art.

(53) It should be understood that although rotary drill bit 301 includes cutting elements 340 and 342 the present invention is not limited by such an example. Rather, a rotary drill bit according to the present invention may include, without limitation, one or more cutting elements according to the present invention. Optionally, each of the superabrasive cutting elements (i.e., 340, 342, and 308) shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be formed according to processes contemplated by the present invention. Also, it should be understood that FIGS. 18 and 19 merely depict one example of a rotary drill bit employing at least one cutting element of the present invention, without limitation. More generally, the present invention contemplates that drill bit 301 may represent any number of earth-boring tools or drilling tools, including, for example, core bits, roller-cone bits, fixed-cutter bits, eccentric bits, bicenter bits, reamers, reamer wings, or any other downhole tool including polycrystalline diamond cutting elements or inserts, without limitation.

(54) While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached invention disclosure for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing form the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. The words including and having, as used herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word comprising.