IADC NOMENCLATURE OF ROLLER CONE BITS

In 1972, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) established a three

code system for roller cone bits.

1st code (Formation Series)

The first code or digit defines the series classification relating to the cutting structure.
The first code carries the numbers 1 to 8. Code 1-3 is for milled tooth bit and 4-8 is insert bits

1. Soft Formation having low compressive strength and high drillability.

2. Medium to medium-hard formations with high compressive strength.
3. Hard semi-abrasive or abrasive formation.
4. Soft Formation having low compressive strength and high drillability.
5. Soft to medium formations with low compressive strength
6. Medium hard formations of high compressive strength
7. Hard semi-abrasive and abrasive formations
8. Extremely hard and abrasive formations

For milled-tooth bits, the first code carries the numbers 1 to 3, which describe soft,
medium and hard rocks, respectively. Soft rocks (number 1) require long, slim and widely
spaced teeth for efficient drilling. Medium formations (number 2) require short and less
widely spaced teeth in order to withstand the high compressive loads. Hard formations
(number 3) require very short and closely spaced teeth for maximum bit life and efficient
drilling.

For Insert bits, the first code carries the numbers 4 to 8; again, these numbers relate to
increasing rock hardness like the milled tooth bits.

2nd code (Formation Types)

The second code relates to formation hardness subdivision within each group and
carries the numbers 1 to 4. These numbers signify formation hardness, from softest to hardest
within each series.

3rd code (Bit Features)

The third code defines the mechanical features of the bit

1. Non-Sealed Roller bearing bit (Standard open bearing roller bit)

2. Air cooled non-sealed roller bit
3. Non-Sealed Roller bearing bit with gauge protection
4. Sealed roller bearing bit
5. Sealed roller bearing bit with gauge protection
6. Journal sealed bearing bit
7. Journal sealed bearing bit with gauge protection
 Along with these mandatory codes, there is also a 4th Alphabetical code which is
optional

4th Code (Additional features)

The following letter codes are used in the fourth digit position to indicate additional
features:

A. Air Application
R. Reinforced Welds
C. Centre Jet
S. Standard Steel Tooth
D. Deviation Control
X. Chisel Insert
E. Extended Jet
Y. Conical Insert
G. Extra Gauge Protection
Z. Other Insert Shape
J. Jet Deflection

IADC FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT CLASSIFICATION

In 1992, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) established a
four code system for fixed cutter drill bit.

1st Digit (Body Material)

S - Steel Body

M - Matrix Body

Steel is capable of withstanding high impact loads, but is relatively soft and without
protective features. It would quickly fail by abrasion and erosion. Quality steels are
essentially homogeneous with structural limits that rarely surprise their users. On the other
hand, Matrix is a very hard, rather brittle composite material comprising tungsten carbide
grains metallurgically bonded with a softer, tougher, metallic binder. Matrix is desirable as a
bit material, because its hardness is resistant to abrasion and erosion. It is capable of
withstanding relatively high compressive loads, but, compared with steel, has low resistance
to impact loading. Matrix is relatively heterogeneous, because it is a composite material.
Because the size and placement of the particles of tungsten carbide it contains vary (by both
design and circumstances), its physical properties are slightly less predictable than steel.

Steel body bits are manufactured by machining the steel bars per design. Whereas
matrix body bits are manufactured by mould process. The tungsten carbide and binder
materials are arranged into the mould. The mould get placed in to the furnace for certain
period of the time and materials are cooked to certain temperature. The mould is later cooled
down and broken to remove the unfinished matrix bit.
2nd Digit (Density)

Code 1-4 represents PDC bit

1. Light set 30 or fewer of 1/2" cutter

2. Light set 30 to 40 of 1/2" cutter
3. Light set 40 to 50 of 1/2" cutler
4. Heavy set 50 or More of 1/2" cutter

Code 6-8 represents Diamond Bit

6. Represents diamond size longer 3 stones per carat

7. Represents diamond size 3 stones per carat to 7 stones per carat
8. Represents diamond size smaller than 7 stones per carat

It may be noted that-

a. Larger cutter sizes are projected as 1/2" cutter densities as one those smaller than 1/2"
size.
b. Bits on 'border line' can be put in either category depending upon the manufacturer’s
preference.
c. Numbers 0, 5 and 9 are not defined or 0 reserved for future use.

3rd Digit (size or type)

For PDC Bit

1. Indicates PDC cutter larger than 24 mm in diameter.

2. Indicates PDC cutter from 14 mm to 24 mm in diameter.
3. Indicates cutter including 13.3 mm (½″ in.) diameter.
4. Indicates cutter including 8 mm diameter.

For surface set diamond type

1. Indicates natural diamond.

2. Refers TSP (Thermaly Stable Polycrystaline material).
3. Refers mixed natural diamond and TSP.
4. Refers highest density bit indicating an impregnated diamond bit,

4th Digit (Body Style)

1. Represents Fishtail PDC Bit & Flat TSP and Natural diamond bit.
2. Represents Flat PDC Bit (short).
3. Represent Medium flanked style.
4. Represent Long flanked turbine style.