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Drilling and Messurements Dril Bits PDF
Drilling and Messurements Dril Bits PDF
SUGAR LAND
LEARNING CENTER
Drill Bits
SELF - LEARNING PACKAGE
USEFUL PRE-REQUISITES
Knowledge of the Drilling Process.
Knowledge of the Rotary Rig and its Components.
December 2001
Introduction to Self-Learning
Self-Learning enables you to learn at your pace, in your time, and in your
way. This course book provides the content, structure, and organization of
your learning, which would otherwise be managed by an instructor in a
class. It also gives you some review questions to help you to confirm your
understanding. Below is some information to help you get started.
How To Use This Self-Learning Package
- Try to do the course in a maximum of 2 sessions, close together:
(For example: Work session - - Break - - Work session)
- Set yourself up in a suitable learning environment: no noise, no
interruptions, and no distractions.
- Use the review questions to confirm that you have understood.
They are for your benefit. They are not assessed or marked. If
you get an answer wrong, just go back through the material.
- It is useful, but not essential for you to have met the pre-course
requirements stated on the course book cover.
Everything you need to complete the Drill Bit Self-Learning Package is
contained in these notes. To get started turn to the next page.
Page 2
December 2001
Table of Contents
OBJECTIVES......................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 5
DRILL BIT INDUSRTRY OVERVIEW................................................ 6
- Drill Bit Competitors........10
- Drill Bit Market Past & Present...........12
- Drill Bit Competitors: Strengths & Weaknesses.... .13
- Hughes Christensen........13
- Smith Geodiamond.....14
- Schlumberger Drill Bits......... 15
- Security DBS.... .........16
- Drill Bit Industry Summary.................17
ROLLER CONE BITS ......................................................................... 19
- Component Parts...19
- Exterior Parts....20
- Interior Parts..... 23
- Bearings......23
- Seals....26
- Grease System........29
- Assembled Components... .. ...30
- Cutting Structure...31
- Insert Bits...... .31
- Tooth Bits.... ..34
- Hydraulic Configurations.........36
- Nozzles.....38
- IADC Code...40
- Schlumberger Nomenclature....43
- Schlumberger Features.. . .45
- Schlumberger Product Lines.54
FIXED CUTTER BITS......................................................................... 55
- PDC..... .55
- Natural Diamond & TSP.... ..56
- Impregnated Diamonds.....57
Page 3
December 2001
Page 4
December 2001
Introduction
Reed-Hycalog (Schlumberger Drill Bits) is the combination of two strong,
technologically advanced leaders in the supply of drill bits and expertise to
the petroleum drilling industry. The union of the two companies provides a
totally integrated, full-service company dedicated to implementing drill bit
solutions on a worldwide basis.
The history behind the two companies is as diverse as the product lines they
collectively distribute. Reed Tool Company was formed in 1915 when
Clarence E. Reed formed a partnership with J.H. Giesey to manufacture
drilling tools. Throughout the years, Reed has designed, manufactured, and
sold thousands of different products to make drilling around the world more
efficient. Today, Reed focuses its technical resources on developing
premium roller cone drill bits with over 400 different sizes and types of bits
in its product line.
J.R. Frenchie Mayeaux and Dan Grady in Shreveport, Louisiana formed
Hycalog (HYdroCArbon-LOGging) in 1946. This company was later
combined with the US operations of Drilling and Service and the Rucker
companies. Originally operating as a core bit company, Hycalog has now
grown into the leading supplier of PDC and natural diamond drill bits
worldwide with the number one market position in most drilling areas.
The most recent chapter in this history was the acquisition of Reed-Hycalog
(via Camco International) by Schlumberger. Reed-Hycalog is now an
integral part of Drilling & Measurements, which is part of Schlumbergers
Reservoir Development Group. In 2001, Reed-Hycalog began the transition
of changing the companys name to Schlumberger Drill Bits.
Schlumberger Drill Bits has four strategically located ISO 9001 certified
manufacturing facilities with the most modern CNC manufacturing
equipment in order to meet customers requirements. Roller Cone
manufacturing plants are located in Houston, TX and in Singapore. The
Fixed Cutter manufacturing plants are located in Houston, TX and in
Stonehouse, England. The safety record within these facilities, and in the
field, surpasses the industry standard defined by Drill Bits and by
Schlumberger. In addition to ISO 9001, Schlumberger Drill Bits meets the
API Q1 standard and the Schlumberger QHSE standards.
Page 5
December 2001
Insert Bit
Tooth Bit
Page 6
December 2001
Within the fixed cutters there are two types of bits: PDC bits
(Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) and Natural Diamond/Impreg.
PDC Bit
Customers Expectations
In order to sell drill bits, specific customers expectations must be met.
There are several things that the customer might expect from a drill bit when
they buy it:
- they may expect the bit to drill an entire interval
- they may expect the bit to drill the interval faster than on
previous wells
- they may want the bit to drill it at the lowest cost-per-foot
- they may want a good dull condition from the drill bit once
it comes out of the hole
- they may be interested in directional accuracy
- they may have some other criteria that they are interested in
Page 7
December 2001
Page 8
December 2001
Another way drill bits are sold is in the office. They are sold to operating
companies, to drilling engineers, and to purchasing departments. Typically
it is better not to sell bits to purchasing departments because they are only
interested in price. Drill bits are not a commodity. They are a performance
tool.
Drill bits are also sold directly to directional drillers and drilling contractors.
There are a lot of wells that are drilled, especially in the US and Canada, on
a footage basis. Footage means that a drilling contractor has agreed with an
oil company that they will drill a specific depth of a well for a certain price.
In this case the contractors are responsible for purchasing the bits. The drill
bits will be sold directly to the drilling contractor as opposed to the oil
company. There are some situations where directional drillers are
responsible for buying the bits. Directional companies will turnkey a
directional well, or a section of a well. Being part of Drilling &
Measurements, Schlumberger Drill Bits will need to take advantage of this
situation when D & M has the directional job and is buying the bits.
Drill bits are also sold by tender to national oil companies. Basically what
this means is that a national oil company will put out a bid for bits.
Sometimes this is for a 6-month supply, a year supply, or some other period
of time that they will designate. All of the major drill bit companies get to
bid on the tender. The bits are typically bought from whomever provides
them with the lowest price.
Another way drill bits are sold is by supply contracts to major oil companies.
This is typically driven by management consultants and purchasing
managers. When this happens the companies are trying to reduce their costs
over a period of time by buying bits in bulk from one or more of the major
drill bit suppliers. Many of the major oil companies do have some kind of
supply contracts with one or more of the drill bit companies.
Page 9
December 2001
Page 10
December 2001
Penetration Rate
PDC
Tooth
Insert
Impreg
& N.D.
Page 11
December 2001
Penetration Rate
PDC
Tooth
Insert
Impreg
& N.D.
Page 12
December 2001
Page 13
December 2001
Smith Geodiamond
The first strength of Smith Geodiamond is they have autonomy, which
allows them to focus. Since they are not owned by one of the major oil
service companies, they can spend more of their time focused specifically on
the drill bit segment.
The second strength of Smith Geodiamond is that they were second in the
market with Bit Optimization Service. Soon after Hughes Christensen, they
started putting their engineers in the offices to help make bit selections.
The third strength of Smith Geodiamond is that they market new technology
very well. Any time they come up with what new products or features, they
have brochures coming out, they have covers on the major oil publications,
and they do an excellent job of marketing their product.
The third strength of Smith Geodiamond is the fact they acquired
experienced personnel. A few years ago, Smith decided that they wanted to
go full force into building fixed cutter bits and becoming a dominant force in
the fixed cutter market. They decided to go after the #1 fixed cutter
company in the world at that time - Hycalog. They hired Hycalogs
President, their Vice- Presidents, their design engineers, and they selected
and hired the specific Hycalog salesmen that they wanted for specific
geographical areas. Instead of developing their company and their
personnel, they went out and bought them from Hycalog. This is one of the
things that contributed to Hycalog falling from the #1 fixed cutter company
in the world to #3, and has allowed Smith Geodiamond to become a viable
fixed cutter competitor.
The final major strength for Smith Geodiamond is customer relations. They
spend a lot of money, time, and resources on making sure they take care of
their customers. They give away jackets, shirts, cups, hats, etc. They also
take their customers on expensive trips. They are the drill bit company that
are the most committed to spending money on customer relations.
Smith Geodiamond does have several weaknesses. The first weakness is a
lack of corporate structure. They are not owned by of one of the major
drilling service companies. This limits the amount of corporate support,
financial & technical resources, and personnel resources.
Sugar Land Learning Center
Page 14
December 2001
Smith Geodiamond
The second weakness of Smith Geodiamond is the lack of access to related
drilling technologies. Schlumberger Drill Bits has Drilling & Measurements
with the PowerDrive and PowerPak systems. Hughes Christensen has Baker
Inteq with the AutoTrack system. Security DBS has Sperry Sun with the
GeoPilot system. The lack of access to related drilling technologies does
put Smith Geodiamond at a disadvantage.
The final weakness of Smith Geodiamond is that they have limited
packaging opportunities. If you are not owned by one of the major service
companies, it is very difficult to package all the services in order to provide
the drilling solutions that the customers may need.
Schlumberger Drill Bits (Reed-Hycalog)
The first strength of Schlumberger Drill Bits is the differentiated
technologies. There are many developments that have been patented that
differentiates Schlumberger from their competitors.
The second strength of Schlumberger Drill Bits is fixed cutter market
recognition. A few years ago Hycalog was the #1 fixed cutter company in
the world. They are still recognized in several markets as being the #1 fixed
cutter company.
The third major strength of Schlumberger Drill Bits is the Schlumberger
resources. Financial, technical, and personnel resources are now available.
Schlumberger Drill Bits also have several weaknesses. First was the
companys focus on margin. While this may not be a bad strategy, if you are
going to try to gain market share, margins may not be the primary focus.
Currently under D & M, the focus is on market share first.
The second weakness of Schlumberger Drill Bits is late to service delivery.
It sometimes takes a lot longer to get products to the market place than it did
for the competitors.
Page 15
December 2001
To become the #1 drill bit company in the world, it will require better
customer response and getting products on time to the market as quickly as
possible.
The last major weakness of Schlumberger Drill Bits is struggling to
reorganize. There have been 3 reorganizations in the last 4 years. First,
Schlumberger acquired Camco International. This made Reed and Hycalog
part of Schlumberger. Second, was the reorganization of Reed Tool
Company and Hycalog to combine to form one company, Reed-Hycalog.
Finally, in January 2001, Reed-Hycalog reorganized into Drilling &
Measurements. Almost any company would have had difficulty surviving
three reorganizations in four years.
Security DBS
The first strength of Security DBS is their synergy with Sperry Sun. This
gives them access to related drilling technologies and packaging
opportunities.
The second strength of Security DBS is the modernization of their
manufacturing plant. Within the last two years they renovated their roller
cone manufacturing plant. They put in new machinery and new technology
to improve the speed and efficiency of building their roller cone bits.
The third strength of Security DBS is that they were right behind Hughes
and Smith with Bit Optimization Service.
The last strength of Security DBS is their fixed cutter technology. In their
fixed cutter bits, they have some excellent products and some excellent
cutter technology.
Security DBS also has several weaknesses. The first weakness is their roller
cone technology. Most of their roller cone bits are not competitive with
Hughes, Smith, and Schlumberger. However, they do make a few good
products, especially in their bigger bits that have performed well in the Gulf
of Mexico and in other offshore applications.
Page 16
December 2001
The final weakness of Security DBS is that they tend to operate as 2 separate
companies. Since they have such a strong fixed cutter side and such a weak
roller cone side, most of the focus is on fixed cutter bits. Even though they
are one company, they tend to operate as two. This prevents them from
being a fully unified company.
Drill Bit Industry Summary
Drill bits have unique technologies. There are different drilling demands.
Almost anywhere in the world that drilling is done the drill bit application
will be different. For example, in multiple places in the United States there
will be different formations and different drilling applications.
Drill bits have unique design concepts. There is a lot of design work that
goes into fixed cutter and roller cone bits. There are materials issues,
bearings, elastomers, grease, moving parts, and cutter development.
Drill bits have manufacturing issues. One of the reasons why there are only
4 major drill bit companies that control approximately 92% of the worldwide
market, is because roller cone manufacturing is a very capital-intense and
complicated business. Not everybody can easily get into the roller cone
manufacturing business. That is one of the reasons for the major oilfield
service companies such as Schlumberger, Baker, and Halliburton aligning
themselves with an established drill bit company. It would be very difficult
for someone to start up a new roller cone company.
Finally, patents are what are unique to drill bit technologies. There are many
patents that are filed on drill bits that never get into bits. It is a very
competitive market with only 4 major competitors in the market place. All
of the drill bit companies are actively trying to patent everything they can to
prevent the competitors from copying their designs or taking advantage of
some of the concepts and innovations that have been developed.
Page 17
December 2001
Page 18
December 2001
Lugs
Cutters
Component Parts
Page 19
December 2001
Nose
Cutter #3
Gage Row
Heel Row
Cutter #1
Inner Row
Cutter #2
Shirttail
Lug
Bit Bowl
Pin
In this diagram, the first area to identify is the API pin. The purpose of the
pin is to connect the bit to the drill string and to allow fluid to get through
into the body of the bit and out through the nozzles.
Next is the bit body. This is all the exterior part of the bit that is not the
cutter. So it includes all 3 of the lugs, the nozzle pods, and the areas that
are on the shirttail.
The next area is the lug. As mentioned before, it takes 3 lugs to make up 1
bit. So the lug is the area of the bit where the shirttail is located and the bit
body that goes down to the pin. It is the part of the bit that holds on the
cutter.
There are 3 cutters on each bit. There is Cutter #1, Cutter #2, and Cutter #3.
Each one of these 3 cutters will have a different cutting structure design.
The way to identify the 3 cutters is Cutter # 1 will have the insert or tooth
that is the closest to the centerline of the middle of the bit.
Page 20
Nose
Cutter #3
Gage Row
Heel Row
December 2001
Cutter #1
Inner Row
Cutter #2
Shirttail
Lug
Bit Bowl
Pin
Page 21
Nose
Cutter #3
Gage Row
Heel Row
December 2001
Cutter #1
Inner Row
Cutter #2
Shirttail
Lug
Bit Bowl
Pin
Then there is the nozzle pod and socket. This is the where the nozzles is
located. There is an O-ring and a snap ring that holds the nozzles in. This
whole assembly area where the nozzle goes in is called the nozzle pod and
nozzle socket.
Finally there is the bit bowl. This is all of the blank space, the void space
that is inside, the interior of the bit beneath the cutters, and inside of the
nozzle pod and nozzle sockets. In the bit bowl is where there may be drilled
cuttings. A lot of flow has to get through there in order to keep the bit clean.
This is also where your center jet would be installed if a center jet were to be
added to any bit.
Now that the external parts of the roller cone drill bit have been reviewed, it
is time to take a look at what is on the inside. The focus will be on the
bearings and seals. These are one of the most critical parts of a roller cone
drill bit. If the bearings and seals fail prematurely, your bit life will be
limited.
Page 22
December 2001
Main Bearing
Retention Bearing
Thrust Bearing
Pin Bearing
There is the main bearing, the retention bearing, the thrust bearing, and the
pin bearing.
The main bearing, the thrust bearing, and the pin bearing are all load-bearing
surfaces. The function of the retention bearing is to attach the cutter to the
lug. However, through testing, and looking at the bits that have been cut
down for dull analysis, the retention bearings also do take some load.
Page 23
December 2001
There are 2 major types of main bearings in a roller cone bit. There are roller
bearings and there are friction/journal bearings.
Roller
Friction / Journal
Roller bearings are long cylinders that roll in tracks or grooves that have
been cut in the lug. Typically roller bearing bits will have two rows of roller
bearings, or three rows for the larger bits. They roll freely between the cutter
and the journal.
The friction or journal bearing bits have a bushing that rotates between the
lug and cutter. Schlumberger Drill Bits have a floating bushing that rotates
freely between the cutter and the lug. In the past these bearings were called
friction bearing. Today, most people in the drill bit industry call them
journal bearings.
Page 24
December 2001
There are two types of retention bearings. There are ball bearings and there
are threaded rings.
Balls
Threaded Ring
On most all drill bits, the cones or cutters are held onto the lug using ball
bearings. This is not a unique feature to Schlumberger. Ball bearings are
used by all 4 major drill bit competitors as their cone retention bearings.
Ball bearings roll in the track and keep the cutter from falling off of the lug.
The threaded ring, however, is a unique and patented feature that can only be
used by Schlumberger Drill Bits. It is attached by the threads in the cutter
shell and the corresponding threads located on the threaded ring. The
threaded ring rides in a groove on the lug, and allows the cutter to be
attached to the lug. A retention tool holds the threaded ring in place while
the cutter is screwed on. Once the cutter is on, the retention tool is taken
out, and a peening tool is inserted. The peening tool will peen or deface the
threads on the cutter to prevent the cutter from backing off. The advantages
of having a threaded ring retention bearing over a ball bearing is:
- the threaded ring will help reduce the lost cone rate by two-thirds
- it becomes an integral part of the cutter, so it allows the cutter to
have more freedom and be better tolerant of cutter movement
- it has surface contact as opposed to point loading of the balls
bearings
Sugar Land Learning Center
Page 25
December 2001
With ball bearings there is point loading that can cause spalling,
Spalling is little particles of metal that have flaked off of the lug surface.
This makes the surface uneven and no longer will run smoothly. This
affects the bearing performance. As soon as the bearing performance is
negatively affected, then the bit life will be limited.
Seals
At Schlumberger there are 4 major types of seals that are used. The first is
an O-ring seal. Years ago the O-ring seal was patented by Hughes and was
not allowed to be used by any of the other major bit companies. What
Hughes actually patented was the amount of squeeze on the O-ring to seal
the bit to keep the drilling fluids out and keep the bearing grease in.
HNBR
Ribbed
Texturized
HNBR
Texturized
O-Ring
and
HNBR Radial
Page 26
December 2001
The O-ring seal is used in Schlumbergers 4-3/4" and smaller inch diameter
bits. All of the bits larger than 4 3/4, use the HNBR radial seal. The radial
seal provides several advantages. It runs cooler, it is recessed and is better
protected, and it is more tolerant of cutter movement. A radial seal is flat
and has more surface contact.
The next seal used by Schlumberger is a HNBR texturized seal. HNBR
stands for Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. It is obvious why this
seal is just called HNBR. The HNBR texturized seal was the seal that was
developed for Schlumbergers motor bit product line. This seal has a series
of Xs cut into the inside surface of the seal. The purpose of these Xs is to
trap grease in all of the little small pockets, as shown in this picture.
HNBR
Texturized
Seal
By trapping the grease into these little pockets, it allows the seal to run
cooler. Typically motor bits are running at higher RPM (Revolutions Per
Minute) so running cooler is important to extending bit life.
The HNBR ribbed textured seal is a brand new seal
that was recently developed to be put into
Schlumbergers new Titan bits. It is an upgrade
from the HNBR texturized seal in that it has a rib in
the middle that helps keep the grease on both sides of
the seal. As shown in this picture, once the grease gets
into the little pockets, it gets trapped and allows the
seal to run cooler. A cool running seal is critical when
running at high rotary speeds on motor bits.
Page 27
December 2001
Pilot Pin
(Friction Pin)
Main Bearing
Insert Cutter
Cutter Bore
Shirttail
Snag
Seal Land
Ball
Retaining
Plug
Ball Race
(Bearing Race)
Ball Bearing
Radial Seal
Seal Groove
Floating Bushing
Thrust Washer
From this diagram, the bearing terms can be identified. Starting on the righthand side of the picture an insert bit cutter is shown. The ball race is where
the ball bearings roll and allow the cutter to move around the lug. Moving
from the right side of the diagram into the middle of the cutter is the cutter
bore. The cutter bore has the internal bearing surfaces that match up with
the corresponding parts on the lug. There is also a groove in which the seal
is recessed. Moving on into the center part of the diagram is the thrust
washer. The thrust washer is a washer that is silver-plated. The silver is
used as a dry lubricant so as the thrust washer heats up, takes loads, becomes
hot, and develops friction; the silver will melt and form a lubricant. Next
there is the floating bushing. This is a copper beryllium bushing that is also
silver-plated for dry lubricant. Next is the HNBR radial seal. This could be
a texturized radial seal, a ribbed texturized radial seal, or an O-ring. This
shows the order in which component parts and the cutter fit on the lug.
Moving over to the journal part of the lug is the thrust pin bearing and the
pilot/friction pin bearing. Next there is the main bearing surface, the ball
bearing groove, the seal land, and the back face of the cutter. The ball
retention plug is used to secure the cutter once it is connected to the lug.
The ball bearings are loaded through this ball-loading hole on the backside
of the journal. After the proper number of balls are loaded, the retaining
plug is inserted and is welded with what is called a frogeye weld.
Page 28
December 2001
Grease System
On sealed bearing roller cone bits there is a grease system. This diagram
shows Schlumberger Drill Bits greasing system. The grease reservoir is
where the extra grease for the bearings is located. The grease is pumped
from the grease reservoir through a grease passage holes into all of the
bearing surfaces. To ensure that grease gets to all the bearing surfaces,
grease is painted on every bearing surface before the bit is assembled. A
grease-compensating diaphragm is used. If too much pressure builds up in
the reservoir or bearing system, the grease can vent or release through the
diaphragm so it does not burst the seal. Once the seal is damaged or fails,
the drilling fluid will flow in, compromise the bearing system, and will limit
the bearing life. On top of the diaphragm is a reservoir cap that is held in
place with a snap ring. A hex nut is screwed in with an Allen wrench that
closes off the grease-loading hole.
Grease Reservoir
Diaphragm
Reservoir Cap
Snap Ring
Grease
Passage
Holes
Grease Loading
Hole Plug
Threaded Ring
Access Hole Plug
Page 29
December 2001
Main
Bearing
Retention
Bearing
Hole Wall
Lug
Heel
Row
Pin
Bearing
Cutter
Thrust
Bearing
Gauge
Row
Inner
Row
This diagram shows a view of the cutter assembled to the journal on the lug.
Starting on the left side is the borehole wall. Moving inward from the left
side of the picture are the heel row inserts that are in contact with the
borehole wall. Next are gauge row inserts. This diagram shows how much
of the insert is actually in the cutter and how much of the insert is protruding
out from the cutter shell. On the top of the picture is the radial seal and the
groove where the radial seal is recessed. Next is the main bearing - in this
case a journal bearing. On the bottom of the picture are the inner row
inserts. Finally there is the thrust bearing, thrust washer, and the pin
bearing.
Page 30
December 2001
Interlock Row
Heel Row
Insert Pad
Seal Flange
Cone
or
Cutter
Teeth
Spear Point
(Spade)
Cone Shell
Back Face
Cone Profile
Heel Face
(Gage Face)l Outer Rows
Cone Groove
Inner Rows
Starting on the right side of this diagram is the cone profile. The cone
profile identifies how aggressive the bit is going to be in terms of cutting
formation. A more rounded cone profile would be for a more aggressive bit.
A flatter cone profile will be used for a slower drilling, more durable cutting
structure type bit, typically used in harder formations. Beginning on the
right side of the picture and moving inward, the first insert is the spear point
or the spade. This is also the nose insert. When identifying the nose insert
on the cutter, this is the insert that is closest to the center of the middle of the
bit.
Page 31
Gage Row
December 2001
Interlock Row
Heel Row
Insert Pad
Cone
or
Cutter
Teeth
Seal Flange
Spear Point
(Spade)
Cone Shell
Back Face
Cone Profile
Heel Face
(Gage Face)l Outer Rows
Cone Groove
Inner Rows
Next are the insert pads. The insert pads are created as a result of the
designed cone grooves. Since the bit has 3 cutters, each with a different
cutting structure, the cutting elements have to intermesh with each other.
The cone grooves are machined into the cutter to allow the inserts to
intermesh. Another reason for the insert pad is to support the insert. If the
insert is not protected, and the proper amount of the insert is not in the cutter
shell, the insert will not be properly supported and will break.
Next are the inner row inserts. These are all the inserts that are not the gauge
row inserts and not the nose row inserts. The remaining row of inserts are
called the interlock row. An interlock row means that part of the interlock
insert is intersecting the line of the gauge row inserts. This does not mean
that these inserts are on top of each other. It just means that they intersect
the line of the gauge row inserts. Finally there is the heel row. The heel row
inserts are on the back face of the cutter.
Page 32
December 2001
Page 33
December 2001
Duraclad Hardmetal
Armorclad Hardmetal
First there is the standard Duraclad hard metal. This is a tungsten carbide
matrix composite. The hard metal is welded onto the teeth in a manual
process. Duraclad has a lot of porosity. It is a durable product but is
typically use this in Schlumbergers non-premium tooth bits.
The next type of hard metal is called Armorclad. This is much more dense
and much less porous type of material. It has a much higher concentrated
mix of tungsten carbide pellets. Armorclad is typically use this in the
premium mill tooth bits such as EHT, MHT, and the SL - Slim Line bits.
Armorclad II is a new hardmetal that has just been introduced. This is a
premium hard metal that is an upgrade from Armorclad. This hardmetal will
be used on the new Titan tooth bit products.
Page 34
December 2001
Finally there is the built-in hard metal PMC (Powdered Metal Cutter).
Schlumberger has as patented process of using powdered metal to make a
tooth cutter. Because of the patent protection, Schlumberger is the only drill
bit company that can use this built-in hard metal. The PMC product
technology has been in development for more than 12 years. In 2001 the
first PMC products will be going standard. The first product lines will be
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and CMC (Composite Matrix Cutter).
Page 35
December 2001
Hydraulic Configurations
Hydraulics are very important for a drill bit. The primary purposes of
hydraulics for the drill bit are to keep the bit cool and to get the cuttings off
the bottom of the hole and up the annulus. There are 3 basic Schlumberger
hydraulics configurations: Conventional, Mudpick, and Mudpick II.
Conventional
Mudpick
Mudpick II
First is conventional hydraulics. This means that the drilling fluid comes out
of the nozzle and goes straight to the bottom of the hole. There is no tooth
cleaning and the fluid cleans the rock between the cutting zones. There is
stagnant flow at the cutting zone where the inserts or teeth are in contact
with the bottom of the hole. There is no cleaning where the cutters are
actually in contact with the formation. All of the competitors use some form
of conventional hydraulics.
In the late 1970s, early 1980s, Reed started developing improved hydraulics.
The objective was to find a way, given the same set of hydraulic conditions,
that ROP could be improve by changing the direction of the hydraulic flow.
In the early 1980s, Reed introduced the patented Mudpick hydraulics.
Page 36
Conventional
December 2001
Mudpick
Mudpick II
With Mudpick hydraulics, as you can see in this picture, the position of the
nozzle is re-directed so that now the flow is cleaning the gauge row and
interlock row inserts. The rock is being cleaned at the leading edge of the
cutting zone. The stagnant flow has been shifted to the trailing side of the
cutter. Now there is better cleaning on the bottom of the hole. With
Mudpick there was an increase in rate of penetration given the same set of
hydraulic conditions. Without changing nozzle diameter, the flow rates, and
any of the variables for hydraulics, ROP was improved by changing to
Mudpick hydraulics. We use Mudpick hydraulics on all of the
Schlumberger product lines, except those that use the Mudpick II hydraulics.
In the early 1990s, almost ten years after the development of Mudpick,
Mudpick II hydraulics was introduced. Mudpick II cleans the gauge row
and inner row of teeth. It cleans the rock at the cutting zone right at the
corner as the inserts are coming around to make contact with the formation.
It cleans the cuttings from the bottom of the hole and removes the stagnant
flow completely from the cutting zone. The stagnant flow is shifted outside
the area where the inserts are in contact with the formation. Mudpick II has
shown that ROP was increases an average of 20% - 22% over the offset bit
runs. Mudpick and Mudpick II hydraulics are patented features of
Schlumberger. None of the other drill bit companies can use these hydraulic
configurations.
Page 37
December 2001
BIT SIZE
RANGE
SHROUDED
TYPE
3-3/4
5-7/8
7-7/8
9-1/2
20
SHROUDED
TYPE
5-1/2
6-3/4
9
18-1/2
26
STANDARD
T YPE
SHROUDED
TYPE
AAK
AK
CK
DK
EK
AACK
ACK
CCK
DCK
ECK
STANDARD
TYPE
NOZZLES A VAILABILITY
SIZE (32 ND)
TFA in
8
0.049
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 28
0.062 0.077 0.093 0.110 0.130 0.150 0.173 0.196 0.249 0.307 0.371 0.442 0.601
AAK
AK
CK
DK
EK
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
AACK
ACK
CCK
DCK
ECK
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
STANDARD TYPE
?
?
SHROUDED TYPE
STANDARD
TYPE
NOZZLE
TYPE
NOZZLE OUTSIDE DIAMETER
IN
IN
AAK
AACK
AK
ACK
CK
CCK
DK
DCK
EK
ECK
0.811
0.517
0.926
0.673
1.173
1.081
1.297
1.321
1.609
2.033
Page 38
December 2001
The standard type nozzle has got a flat surface on the top and the snap ring,
which is what holds the nozzle in the bit. On the shrouded type nozzle, the
snap ring is covered by a recessed groove. The purpose for shrouded
nozzles is for use with highly abrasive fluids or if there are highly abrasive
formations. The shroud protects the snap ring. All nozzles are measured in
32nds of an inch in terms of the diameter. In the picture on the previous
page there is a 14 stenciled on top of the nozzle above the center hole. This
means that this nozzle is a 14/32nd nozzle.
Hughes Christensen also used the same types of roller cone nozzles as
Schlumberger. In fact the nozzles are interchangeable. Smith Geodiamond
uses a screw type nozzle. Security DBS uses a nozzle that is held in by a
nail. The Smith and Security roller cone nozzles are not interchangeable
with Schlumberger.
BALLS
THREATED
Page 39
December 2001
Series / Type
Cutting
Element
Soft
to
Hard
11to
34-
Mill
Tooth
Soft
to
Hard
41to
84-
Tungsten
Carbide
Insert
Page 40
December 2001
The IADC roller cone classification code basically looks like this:
4 1 7
Series Type
Bearing Special
Gage Features
1 1 5 M
If you look at this diagram, there are two examples. There is a 417 and a
115M. The first number represents the series. The 4 means it is an insert
bit. The 1 means it is a mill tooth bit. The second number represents the
type within that series. The third number in the IADC code represents the
bearing and gauge package. Most of the time there will be three numbers in
the IADC code. Occasionally, in the fourth position, there will be a letter.
This letter represents special features. It is not used very often but
sometimes the drill bit manufacturer wants to indicate that this bit has some
kind of special feature.
There are 7 different types of bearing and gauge configurations in the IADC
code. They are:
1. Standard roller
2. Roller air cooled
3. Roller with gauge protection
4. Sealed roller
5. Sealed roller and gauge protection
6. Friction/Journal bearing
7. Friction/Journal bearing and gauge protection
The codes that are used the most often are IADC code numbers 1, 5, 6, and
7.
Sugar Land Learning Center
Page 41
December 2001
There are several letters used in IADC to represent these special features.
They are not used very often. Most of the time the bit manufacturer will
choose to identify the special feature in their nomenclature as opposed to the
IADC code. Below is a list of these special features:
A = air application
B = special bearing /seal
C = center jet
D = deviation control
E = extended jets
G = gauge or body protection
H = horizontal or steering application
J = jet deflection
L = lug pads
M = motor application
S = standard steel tooth model
T = a two-cone bit
W = enhanced cutting structure
X = predominantly chisel tooth inserts
Y = conical tooth insert
Z = other shaped insert
The M letter is used most often to designate a bit is designed for motor
application.
The IADC code for roller cone bits has several uses. It is a good starting
place when trying to compare roller cone bits on offset bit records. In order
to determine what bit is going to be run in a specific application, bit
performance has to be evaluated. By looking at offset bit records, the IADC
code of the offset bits can be identified. Why would the IADC code be only
a starting place? If a customer says, I need a 12-1/4 IADC code 517,
sure, which one do they want? Within the industry there are probably 60+
12 517 type bits. The IADC code gives a general indication of what kind
of cutting structure is needed. The features, or combination of features, will
then be selected for the specific application.
Page 42
December 2001
12
Size
EHP
Product
Line
17 EMS
51 H DLK
IADC
Design Added
Cutting Variant
Features
Structure
13
GC
The first set of numbers, the 12-1/4 and the 17-1/2, represent the size in
inches. The size is also indicated in metric on Schlumbergers box labels
for those that work in the metric system.
The next set of prefixes in Schlumbergers nomenclature represent the
product line. In this case, EHP, Enhanced High Performance, and EMS,
Enhanced Motor Series, are the product lines for these particular bits. The
Schlumberger product lines will be discussed later.
The next two numbers are the first two numbers of the bits IADC code.
Schlumberger Drill Bits is the only company that uses the first two numbers
of the IADC code, to identify their cutting structure. All the rest of the
competitors use different sets of nomenclature and different sets of numbers
to identify their bit types. In the top example, the 12-1/4" EHP51, the 51
indicates that the first two numbers of the IADC code for this bit is a 517.
In the bottom example, the 17-1/2" EMS13, the IADC code for this bit is
135. So the first two numbers of the IADC code is represented in our
nomenclature as 13. In 2001, Schlumberger launched three product lines
which do not use the first 2 numbers of the IADC code in its nomenclature.
The numbers used in the FMJ, DJ, and DR product lines are not associated
with the IADC code.
Page 43
December 2001
The next letter, if there is one, would represent the design variant. There are
three different design variants frequently used by Schlumberger. They are
designated by A, H, and X. Below are the design variants:
A = Chisel-Shaped Inserts. The application for this would be an aggressive
insert shape typically for soft to medium formations. The downside to using
the A variant is that an insert shape that is sharp chisel may not be durable
enough. If the insert is not durable enough, the bit life could be limited.
H = Chisel-Shaped Inserts in IADC code 41 to 51 with 3 cutter skew.
Typically insert bits in 41 to 51 range have 5 cutter skew. The application
for the H designate is that it is a durable skew angle for any application
where you need more durability. A 5 skew is for a more aggressive bit but
it is less durable. A 3 skew is a little less aggressive but it is more durable.
Durability could be needed in situations like running high RPM
(Revolutions Per Minute), a directional situation, motor bit runs, or any time
there are streaky formations. The downside is that the more durable the bit,
the slower the ROP. So a little bit of ROP is sacrificed in order to get
durability. Schlumberger also builds bits that have faster ROP. So it
depends on the customer's expectations, the application, and the objective
for that bit run.
X = is a special cutting structure that might vary from type to type.
When an X is in the suffix of Schlumbergers nomenclature, the special
cutting structure will be different from a normal bit. The applications for
this type bit are formations such as medium-hard carbonates that suit an
aggressive gauge design but does not lead to gauge breakage. The downside
is that if you put a little longer gauge row inserts in for aggressive gauge
design, there could be a tendency for the inserts to break.
Schlumberger Drill Bits has several options for added features.
With the example of the 12-1/4", DLK stands for diamond lug pad and K
shirttail protection, and in the case of the 17-1/2" EMS13, G stands for gage
protection on the bit and C stands for center jet.
Page 44
December 2001
Center Jet
Flame Spray cutter shell coating
Heel Row Inserts on tooth bits
Jet Air Drilling
Shirttail Inserts
Shirttail Inserts - Premium Coverage
Shirttail Inserts Raised - Premium Coverage
Lug Stabilizing Pad
Mudpick II Hydraulics on HP Bits
GageGuard - shorter inserts in between the gauge row Inserts
Single Port
Three Port
There are several benefits to running center jets. They reduce bit balling and
help keep the nose and inner rows of the cutting structure clean. The major
disadvantage of center jets is that they can reduce the outer cutter cleaning.
If a bit has three nozzles, and then a center jet is added, there will be less
fluid exiting out of the 3 outside nozzles.
Page 45
December 2001
Another disadvantage is the center jet can aggravate the nose area. With
high flow rates through your center jet, there can be nose cone erosion in the
center of the bit. The applications for center jets are basically in bits 12-1/4"
and larger. It is available in 7-7/8" and larger, and on occasion, a center jet
has been installed in a bit smaller than 7-7/8". Typically center jets are used
in medium to very soft, very sticky, gumbo type formations, or where
cleaning around the center of the bit is most important. Generally, no more
than 18% of the TFA (Total Flow Area) should be going through the center
jet. If the center jet is more than 18% TFA, the outside nozzles could be
starved for fluid and will not keep the gauge row of inserts cleaned.
D = Diamond PDC-coated inserts. PDC stands for Polycrystalline Diamond
Compact. The purpose of using PDC-coated inserts is to eliminate thermal
fatigue and to eliminate abrasive wear. Almost any of the cutting structure
or shirttail inserts can be replaced with the diamond PDC-coated inserts.
In the Schlumberger nomenclature, it is very simple to identify what features
have diamond PDC-coated inserts and which ones do not. When looking at
the suffixes of Schlumberger nomenclature, everything to the right side of
the D represents diamond PDC-coated inserts. Everything to the left side of
the D represents non-diamond PDC-coated inserts. The competition uses the
D repetitive when they indicate their diamond coated inserts.
The benefits of PDC-coated inserts, the D feature, are that it does eliminate
abrasive wear and thermal fatigue. There are some downsides, however. It
is costly. Some of the PDC-coated inserts could cost $25, $50, or $100 per
insert. The application must be right for using these inserts because it does
increase the cost of the bit. Another downside is it will not solve fracture
due to overload. If the inserts are breaking due to overload, using diamond
PDC-coated will not solve the problem. It will only help if the bit is
experiencing abrasive wear and thermal fatigue.
Sugar Land Learning Center
Page 46
December 2001
The applications for the D feature would be any application where abrasive
cutting structure wear or thermal fatigue limits bit life. It can also be used in
directional applications where there would be excessive wear on the gauge
row inserts. The diamond PDC-coated insert would be a good solution to
that gauge wear problem.
F = Flame Spray. This is a tungsten carbide coating that is applied to the
finished cutter in a high-velocity oxygen-fuel environment. After the inserts
are pressed into the cutter, the cutters are sent to an outside vendor for the
Flame Spray to be applied. For Flame Spray, the steel cutter shell surface is
bombarded with tungsten carbide pellets at high velocity and they are
embedded into the cutter shell.
Flame
Spray
Cutter
The benefits of Flame Spray are that it reduces cutter shell erosion and
eliminates cone wear. The downside is that the coating may flake due to
differences in modulus of elasticity between the tungsten carbide pellets and
the steel. The best applications for flame spray is directional, or any
application where there is off-center rotation, gyration, or cutter wear limits
bit life due to erosion. Sometimes this happens with poor solids control or
high solids in the mud. Flame spraying has to be done in the before the bit
is assembled. It is not something that can be done in the field. It has to be
requested while the bits are being built. If there is a very abrasive formation,
the abrasive formation will erode the steel. The problem with cutter shell
erosion is that when the cutter shell is eroded, there is no longer support for
the inserts. Once the inserts fall out, the bit will not drill at an adequate
ROP. The bit will have to pull out of the hole and be replaced.
Page 47
December 2001
G = heel row inserts on a tooth bit. Not all of tooth bits come with heel row
inserts. Typically it is included on the directional tooth bits and on the
motor tooth bits. The G feature is standard on all insert bits, so it is not
included as a part of the insert bit nomenclature.
G Feature
The benefit of the G feature is that it helps maintain gauge. It is in contact
with the borehole wall and it does help protect the gauge teeth on a mill
tooth bit. It does have side cutting ability and it is diamond-compatible.
The downside is that in some designs, it can reduce the total carbide on
gauge. If the gauge row carbide were compromised in order to
accommodate the hole for the G feature, it probably would not be added.
The applications would be any application where gauge rounding results in
an under gauged hole or premature bearing failure. This feature will be used
in bits that are for directional applications, or any tooth bits that are run in a
motor application.
The next feature is TuffGage. There is no nomenclature for this feature at
the present time. It is a different configuration of the heel pack inserts.
Typically there is one row of large heel pack inserts going around the back
face of the cutter. The TuffGage feature basically is two rows of inserts.
Sometimes they line up one on top of each other. Sometimes they are
staggered between each other. Sometimes they have skip spacing between
the two rows of inserts. Generally these inserts are smaller.
Page 48
December 2001
K, KP,
DK, & DKP
L & DL
Page 49
December 2001
K, KP, DK, and DKP are holes that are drilled into the shirttail where flattop
tungsten carbide inserts are pressed into the drilled holes. There are standard
patterns that are use for the K and KP shirttail protection. However, there is
the flexibility to install any kind of design pattern as long as the pattern does
not violate the specs in terms of the relationship of the inserts to each other,
to the grease-loading hole, to the grease reservoir cap, and to the hard metal.
This is an add-on feature. It can be done after the bit is built, either in the
factory or at a machine shop that has been certified at a field location.
The second type of protection is L, or DL, which stands for lug stabilizer
pad. This is a piece of steel that is welded onto the shirttail and then
machined. Once the piece of steel is machined to the proper diameter,
holes are drilled and tungsten carbide inserts or diamond-coated inserts are
pressed into the lug pad. The benefits of the lug pad are they stabilize the
bit, they help to maintain gauge by reducing side loads, and they also reduce
bit body wear. The downside is that sometimes the lug pads extend the
gauge length of the bit. This can be a possible problem in a directional well
with the overall length and steerability of the bit. So if the lug pads extend
the gauge length and affect directional steerability, they will not be installed
on the bit.
The third type of shirttail protection is KPR and DKPR. This is shirttail
protection that is premium. The R stands for raised inserts that are rounded
and protruding from the shirttail. This feature was introduced in 2000 and
has become a very effective shirttail feature. This feature can also be
installed in both the factory and in the field. There is a new KPR insert that
is just being introduced. It is called Mega KPR. This is an insert that is
going to be used on the Titan product line. The difference between Mega
KPR and the standard KPR, is that the standard KPR insert is 5/8" diameter
and the Mega KPR inserts are 3/4" diameter. The applications for this is
directional or any application where: 1) off-center wear or bit rotation is
encountered, 2) bit stability could be a problem or be a limiting factor, or 3)
in any application where a little more insurance is wanted. They can also be
used in situations where a customer just wants to make sure that they do not
have any shirttail damage or they just want a little extra protection.
Page 50
December 2001
These shirttail features do not cost very much and is a very effective tool to
help ensure that you have a longer bit life. In a directional or off-center
wear application, these features are very important because they do help
protect the shirttail and protect the gauge row. In a directional situation, the
bit is laying on the low side of the hole the majority of the time. The
shirttail and gauge row inserts are taking an abnormal amount of wear.
Also, in a directional application, there are more opportunities for downhole
vibrations, off-center wear, and gyrations. This shirttail protection, gives the
bit added bit life when running in a directional application.
T = GageGuard. This is the insert that is located in between the gauge row
inserts as shown in the picture below.
GageGuard
Page 51
December 2001
In order to make the space to drill the hole and press in the GageGuard
insert, some of the gauge row inserts would have to be moved or eliminated.
In some designs, it is not worth sacrificing the gauge row inserts for the
GageGuard feature. If the gauge row inserts are spread out too far, or the
configuration is changed, the gauge row could be weakened. It is not
beneficial to weaken the gauge row by adding GageGuard. If it does cause a
reduction in the gauge count for some designs, GageGuard would not be
added. GageGuard is a factory-installed feature. It is not an add-on feature.
The bit has to be designed with GageGuard on it from the beginning.
GageGuard does come standard on some Schlumberger products but is not
available on all of the product lines. Most applications will see benefits of
GageGuard unless there is a reduction in the gage count that limits the run.
JA = Jet Air. It is design differences that are used for durable bit geometry
for under-balanced drilling. It typically has a low offset, an open cutting
structure, and has special nozzle ports. There are only two areas in the
world that typically use jet air bits. They are used in the Northeast and in
West Texas, U.S.A. The bit is only built in two sizes, 7-7/8" and 8-3/4".
The applications are for under-balanced drilling using air, foam, or mist.
M = in the suffix represents Mudpick II hydraulics on HP bits. Normally if
a bit had Mudpick II hydraulics, it would be called EHP. In order for a bit to
be an EHP, it had to have three things: 1) threaded ring, 2) Mudpick II
hydraulics, and 3) enhanced shirttail protection. In the 7-7/8" product line
ball bearing are used instead of threaded rings. Since these bits do not have
threaded ring, they cannot be called EHP. The way the Mudpick II
hydraulics are designated on the 7-7/8" product line is by the M. The
benefits of Mudpick II hydraulics on HP bits are a faster ROP (Rate Of
Penetration) and better cutter and bottom hole cleaning. Most importantly, it
makes more efficient use of the available hydraulic energy. There are some
downsides to using Mudpick II hydraulics. There may be some cutter shell
erosion due to the high-energy zone directly at the corner. There have also
been some cases of backwash on the shirttail. Mudpick II cannot be used
effectively in all situations. It works well in most soft and medium
formations, especially where there is a tendency for bit balling. Any time
there is low hydraulic energy or more efficient use of the hydraulic energy is
needed, Mudpick II hydraulics is an effective tool.
Page 52
December 2001
Diamond Features
With Schlumbergers roller cone cutting structure and shirttail features, there
is the opportunity to use diamond PDC-coated inserts. If a bit has diamond
PDC-coated inserts, the following designations are used:
DA
DN
DI
DG
DT
DH
DK
DKP
Page 53
December 2001
Y
HP
EHP
MHP
EHT
MHT
JA
SL
DJ
FMJ
CMC
MS
ETS
EMS
T
DR
Roller
Bearing
Non-Sealed
Journal
Bearing
Sealed
Roller
Bearing
Sealed
HP
EHP
MHP
EHT
MHT
JA
SL
DJ
FMJ
CMC
MS
ETS
EMS
T
DR
Page 54
December 2001
Tungsten
Carbide
Support
Diamond
Table
Polycrystalline
Diamond
Compact
There are 5 basic cutter sizes that are used in the oilfield to make PDC drill
bits. These PDC cutters range in size from 19 millimeter down to 8
millimeter.
Page 55
December 2001
The PDC cutters are inserted into the bit body at an angle away from normal.
This is called the backrake angle. Depending the on this angle of orientation
of the cutters, it determines how aggressive the bit's cutting structure will be.
The lower the backrake angle, the more aggressive the bit. Typically the
backrake angle of PDC bits will be between 18% and 40%.
BLADE
PDC CUTTER
Backrake
Angle
When finally assembled the soft formation PDC bit looks something like the
picture below. Shown are the cutters, the blades, and the pin.
Cutters
Blade
Pin
Page 56
December 2001
Page 57
December 2001
TSP Bit
Impregnated diamond bits use an even smaller diamond, basically a gritsized diamond, which is set into a matrix in the blades. This then wears
away, continually exposing new diamond to do the cutting. By using very
small grit size, obviously the potential for high rates of penetration is
limited. These bits tend to drill in the range of 1 to 5 feet per hour on
average. Pictured below is an impregnated diamond bit with grit that is
so fine that the cutting structure on the blades of the bit cannot be seen.
Page 58
December 2001
The failure methods of the 3 fixed cutter bits are shown below:
IMPREG DIAMOND BIT:
Hard Formation GRINDING
Soft formation SHEARING
SHEARING
PDC BIT:
SHEARING
SHEARING
F
The impregnated diamond bits predominately drills by grinding when in a
hard formation, although it may convert to shearing in a softer formation.
The natural diamond or a TSP bits predominately drills by ploughing and
grinding. The PDC bits predominately drills by shearing the formation.
The advantage of fixed cutter bits is they have no moving parts. Why is this
an advantage? Primarily there is less risk of leaving any junk in the hole like
the cones off of a roller cone bit. Losing cones is a disadvantage when
drilling horizontal holes especially when fishing the cones is a big problem.
In addition, there are no temperature concerns up until about 700 degrees
centigrade with PDC bits. The grease and rubber products in roller cone bits
are temperature-sensitive, which can be a problem when drilling hot wells.
In terms of operating procedures for fixed cutter bits there are many
different thoughts on this. Many people in the oilfield seem to think that the
only thing needed is to put the pin up, connect it to the drill string, and then
turn it to the right. It is not that simple. Fixed cutter bits, especially PDC
bits, are very lithology-sensitive and drill more efficiently if drilling
parameters are adjusted every time the rock type changes. This is difficult
unless particular attention is paid to the fixed cutter bit while it is drilling.
Page 59
December 2001
CONE
FIXED PORT
NOSE
TAPER OR FLANK
STEEL BLANK
SHOULDER
CUTTERS
FACE
GAUGE
UPREAMING
DIAMOND
GAGE PAD
WELD GROOVE
BIT BREAKER SLOT
TUNGSTEN
CARBIDE
MATRIX
SHANK BORE
BEVEL
MAKE UP FACE
API PIN CONNECTION
SHANK
CONE
NOSE
CUTTERS
FACE
GAUGE
TAPER OR FLANK
SHOULDER
FIXED PORT
GAUGE
GAUGE INSERTS
BIT BREAKER SLOT
SHANK BORE
STEEL BODY
BEVEL
MAKE UP FACE
SHANK
Page 60
December 2001
Page 61
December 2001
Support Cutters
CYLINDERS
POSTS OR STUDS
Cutters
Hybrids
Page 62
December 2001
BLADE
HEIGHT
Page 63
December 2001
Resist Loads
Profiles
There are 3 major profiles used for PDC bits: 1) short, 2) medium, and
3) long.
Profiles
CONE
NO
TAP
SE
ER/
BREAKER SHRANK
GAGE
NK
MEDIUM
LONG
The largest profile the better axial and lateral forces resistance.
Page 64
SHOULD
ER
FLA
SHORT
December 2001
Bit Length
PDC bit length is important when:
- a short radius well path is needed
- getting the motor closer to the bit is needed
- near bit stabilization is needed
- drilling directional or horizontal wells
Bit Length
Diamond Impregs
Although Schlumbergers steel and matrix Hybrid PDC drill bits can both
have diamond impregnated studs (generally referred to as impregs), the
impregs are of different construction. Matrix Hybrid bits have impregs cast
in situ during the manufacturing stage. Steel bits utilize separate
components that are manufactured from tungsten carbide. Both types
contain many tiny natural diamonds in the end toward the formation. The
impregs used in Reed-Hycalog's patented Hybrid PDC bits help ensure a
uniform wear pattern for all PDC cutters across the face of the bit, which
contributes to longer bit life. Additionally, the impregs are beneficial in
protecting the PDC cutters from impact damage by stabilizing the bit
downhole. In essence, the impregs serve as built-in protection against bit
whirl. Because the impregs contain diamonds, they can continue to protect
the PDC cutters from damage in hard or highly abrasive formations.
Page 65
December 2001
Diamond Impregs
IMPREGS
Gauge Protection
Schlumberger utilizes 2 types of gauge inserts in steel bodied bits. The first
type consists of a cylindrical piece of hot pressed tungsten carbide with
fluted sides to improve retention. The second type is like the first but also
contains surface-set cube diamonds, orientated to their crystallographic
optimum, to provided enhanced abrasion resistance. Reed-Hycalog holds a
patent on using this technique for providing diamond gauge protection in a
steel bodied bit. Schlumberger gauge inserts are manufactured with a radius
on the outside face so when they are assembled in the bit gauge, they will be
flush with the steel surface.
Gauge Protection
Steel Bodied Bits
Page 66
December 2001
Gauge Protection
Gauge Protection
Matrix Bodied Bits
PDC Nozzles
Schlumberger uses a variety of interchangeable nozzle types and sizes. The
choice of nozzle type is based on many factors, including the size of the bit
and the recommended hydraulic program. All nozzles are manufactured
from tungsten carbide, which provides the necessary erosion resistance.
They are screwed into the bit using custom nozzle wrenches and all have
rubber "O" rings to hydraulically seal the threads. Because the nozzles are
threaded, they may be removed from the bit body and changed should the
hydraulics need to be adjusted.
Page 67
December 2001
Page 68
December 2001
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December 2001
Page 70
December 2001
Cutter Redundancy
Depending on the target formation, Schlumberger bits may have
considerable cutter redundancy built into the design. This is especially true
on the flank and Outer Diameter Radius. If the bit is designed for tough,
abrasive formations, the work performed per cutter, in these expected high
wear regions, is minimized. This reduced work per cutter results in longer
product life and reduced risk of premature failure.
Schlumberger PDC Cutter Technology
There are performance steps that are followed in the development of cutter
technology. First, the best performing cutters in the industry are identified.
Currently, Schlumberger primarily utilizes in-house cutters but will also use
five outside vendors as suppliers. Whenever a new cutter design is
developed, it is tested to assure consistent quality and reliability. Currently,
only between 10 and 15% of cutters evaluated actually meet the test criteria.
Schlumberger continually evaluates its own standard cutters to make sure
they are all up to the standards.
Here are some interesting facts about diamond. Diamond is in fact 10 times
harder than steel. It is also twice as hard as tungsten carbide. Remember,
tungsten carbide is the substrate that is used in the PDC cutters. Diamond is
10 times more wear resistant than tungsten carbide. In compression,
diamond is 20 times stronger than granite, which is probably one of the
hardest rocks. Diamonds also have the lowest coefficient of friction of any
known material. Friction of course creates heat. Convection cooling is not
as efficient in maintaining low temperatures as reducing friction. Diamonds
are one of the best thermal conductors known. This means if heat is
transmitted to the cutter it will soon spread throughout the diamond layer.
Diamond also turns to graphite at approximately 1,300 degrees Centigrade at
ambient pressure, and in the presence of oxygen will burn at 800 degrees
Celsius. Diamond is non-wettable which means it must be combined with
another material in order to bond. What Schlumberger uses is cobalt to bond
the diamond. Unfortunately at 700 degrees C, the cobalt will actually force
the diamond apart. Therefore the challenge is to mix the diamond grit with
the cobalt and the tungsten carbide to develop a superior PDC cutter.
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December 2001
Cobalt
driven by concentration gradient
Diamond Grit
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December 2001
V
U
Impact
Resistance
T
S
R
C D E F G H I
Abrasion Resistance
Shown here is what historically has been the tradeoff. By using larger
diamonds to give impact resistance a smaller diamond grit was needed to
give abrasion resistance. It was soon realized that if larger and smaller
diamond grit could be combined, there would be a more abrasion and impact
resistance cutter. This would actually move away from that trade-off line.
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December 2001
Trade-off line
Impact
Resistance
Abrasion Resistance
For several years now Schlumberger has been using both tri-modal and
quadra-modal grits, which are grits with either 3 or 4 different sizes of
diamond. After the diamond compact is manufactured it then needs to be set
on to an additional tungsten carbide substrate. This substrate or support is
what actually holds the cutter to the face of the bit. The attachment process
for attaching the compact to the substrate is called LS bonding. LS bonding
is quite a difficult process as the LS bond has to be heated up higher than the
critical level for the diamond layer. So as the induction coil applies heat to
the support the diamond layer is actually being continually cooled with a
layer of cooling water being passed above it. LS Bonding is shown below:
Cooling
Water
Carbide Contact
Shim
PDC
LS Bond
Induction Coil
(Heat Supply)
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December 2001
Star (1)
Fan
Star (2)
Iris
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December 2001
Backrake
45 Back
15
Rake
Backrake
Backrake Angles
TuffEdge Cutter
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December 2001
The PDC is not totally supported by the carbide rim. Basically it goes
around about 300 degrees leaving the PDC only exposed at the actual cutting
interface of the bit. It also is fitted around a conventional NPI (non-planar
interface) substrate.
TReX Cutters
The latest development in Schlumbergers PDC cutter technology is the
TReX cutters. TReX cutters give maximized abrasion resistance and
improved impact resistance. Successful bit performance depends upon
maintaining a sharp diamond edge on each individual cutter throughout the
bit run. Although diamond is the hardest known material it will deteriorate
due to abrasive wear and impact shocks which are common during the
downhole drilling process. Abrasive wear is caused by continuous contact
with the rock surface and the friction at the cutter edge causing thermal
degradation of the diamond. As the diamond develops a larger wear flat
then the cutting efficiency is decreased. Impact shocks cause a lot more
damage. Commonly bit whirl and stick slip, two common types of
downhole vibration, will cause shocks in the range of 20-30g. Minor normal
vibration is commonly in the range of 1-2g.
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December 2001
The picture below shows the effect of repetitive impact shocks and loads are
to a PDC cutter.
Sharp
Microfracture
Chipped
Toughness
Wear Life
The properties which influence the life of the PDC in the oilfield are its
toughness and its wear life, or its impact resistance and abrasion resistance.
If a coarse diamond grit is used the large grains tend to absorb the shock.
However, the downside is that loss of an edge grain represents significant
wear amount. Small grains on the other hand are less shock resistant. If a
smaller grain is lost it is less significant than if a larger diamond grit grain is
lost. Throughout the years small improvements have been made mainly by
the introduction of thicker cutters and of non-planar interface (NPI) cutters.
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December 2001
Old-style planar interface cutters with thicker diamond wafers improve the
wear life of the bit but they did result in a weaker bit in terms of abrasion
resistance or toughness. Thick diamond and NPI substrates did in fact give
wear and toughness improvements, but these were not greatly significant.
The new TReX cutter is a significant departure from existing technology. It
uses a multi-modal diamond grit concept, and the cutting edge is ultra wear
resistant and very, very tough. Currently, this technology is patent pending.
It uses existing NPI substrates, the only difference being the composition of
the diamond grit.
For optimum performance benefits from the TReX cutters the selection of
the application is crucial. The objective of the run must be defined and if
possible the run should be supervised. This ensures that the correct drilling
parameters are used at all times and also allows identification of anything
strange happening during the run which may lead to premature failure of the
bit. For TReX cutters it is important to have good offset data and to present
a good case study following the run.
Schlumberger Fixed Cutter Product Lines
NATURAL DIAMOND
& IMPREG
DuraDiamond
300 SERIES
400 SERIES
500 SERIES
600 SERIES
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December 2001
RS prefix is used for Schlumbergers bits that were designed for use
specifically with rotary steerable drilling systems. These systems drill
directional wells without the use of a motor and therefore will require
specific bit designs.
Rotary
Steerable
Bit
SB is used for the Stable BiCentrix range of bits. These bits have drill-out
capabilities and can be used on directional wells. Stable BiCentrix ?
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December 2001
SideTrack Bit
DS is a standard nomenclature used for full production designs. The most
recent development of standard production bits within the DS product line
are the SteeringWheel and TransFormation bits.
SteeringWheel bits have greater stability which creates a smoother
borehole and bottom hole pattern. These bits also improve directional
response. The SteeringWheel bits helps to reduce bit vibration and bit
whirl. This stability allows more even wear of the PDC cutters and
improved condition of the PDC face.
SteeringWheel Bits
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December 2001
Transformation
Bit
X prefix is added to the DS, RS or SB to designate that the bit has the new
TReX cutters.
Schlumberger Drill Bits Fixed Cutter Nomenclature
Here examples of Schlumberger Fixed Cutter Bit nomenclature:
12 1/4
Size
17 1/2
DS 70 A4 HF+GLUV
Product Design Design Added
Line Number Variant Features
4XX
A1 GSU
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DS
4XX
X
70
A4
A1
December 2001
After the numbers that designate the variant, are the letters that designate the
various features on the PDC bit.
Schlumberger Fixed Cutter Features
The features for Schlumbergers fixed cutter bits are designated in the suffix
of the nomenclature. Schlumbergers major features are:
D
DiamondBacks
Full DiamondBack
Partial DiamondBack
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F+
December 2001
Hardfacing
= Hybrid - means the bit has a hybrid or impreg backup cutters these
are diamond-impregnated studs located behind the PDC cutters. The
primary functions of Hybrids are to:
- enhance bit stability
- reduce torque fluctuations
- protect PDC cutters
- create smoother cutting action
- increase bit life
Drilling Sequence Of Hybrid Bits Through Hard Stringers
STAGE 1
Sugar Land Learning Center
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
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December 2001
= Hybrid
Hybrid Bits
= Long Gauge - means the bit has a longer gauge than standard,
sometimes which is used when drilling tangent sections. The long
gauge acts as an integral near bit stabilizer and assists in holding
angle.
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December 2001
= Short Gauge the bit has a gauge that is shorter than normal. Short
gauge bits are generally used for their steerability in a directional or
horizontal well.
Upreaming Cutters
Conventional
Sugar Land Learning Center
SwitchBlade
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December 2001
SwitchBlade Hydraulics
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December 2001
Sugar Land Learning Center (SLC) Web Site Drill Bit Training
http://slc.sugarland.anadrill.slb.com/SLCNewImage/Sugar%20Land%20Learning%20Cent
er%202001.htm
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