Roller Cone

Drill Bits
We Are a Team
Hard Metals Australia are the exclusive distributors
of Kingdream products throughout Australia. Kingdream is a very well established manufacturer in the global
HMA work closely with the engineers at oil and gas industry, and constantly working to improve the
Kingdream to ensure products supplied quality of their product through constant research and
into the market are of the highest development.
quality and fit for purpose.
Company Overview
Kingdream Public Limited Company (shortly referred to as Kingream)
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation,
which is a National First Class Enterprise and a considered a backbone to
the high-tech industry, bringing their years of research and development
to the oilfield. Kingdream has won multiple awards for their work in
the drilling industry for their development of innovative roller cone
manufacturing techniques and additionally for the intellectual
property that it has developed through its state-of-the-art
R&D facilities. In addition to research and development
capabilities, Kingdream is also well placed to deliver world-
Company Overview class service with on-site engineers communicating
directly back to the factory to ensure that the
Hard Metals Australia PTY Limited (HMA) is a precision engineering company drilling operations are completed with the
specialising in the design and manufacture of Tungsten Carbide and utmost efficiency.
Polycrystalline diamond tools for the drilling, construction, mining and
agricultural industries. Formed in 1982 as Australian distributor for a world The company is the market leader in China,
leading Tungsten Carbide manufacturer. Since then our product range has sig- provide drilling equipment to the domestic
nificantly increased to wear parts and tools for a wide range of industries. Nearly mining and oil/gas industry with proven
40 years later, we still strive to provide quality, durable products into a continual- success. Kingdream has recorded more
ly developing market. than 40 ultra-deep wells reaching
more than 8000 metres deep as
Operating out of our headquarters in Sydney and Canada, we serve well as accomplishing the
customers all over Australia and across the world. Utilising a well-equipped deepest well in Asia at 9,300
machine shop and welding bays, we design and manufacture a broad range of metres. In addition to the domestic
products through experience, engineering expertise, and friendly relationships market, Kingdream also services
with knowledgeable clients. the oil and gas, mining, HDD and
construction industries globally
Hard Metals Australia holds international patents on a range of products for use with a range of drilling tools.
in agriculture and drilling. Our commitment for ongoing research and Kingdream is equipped with the
development underpins our philosophy of consistent growth. It is in this way capability to design and manufacture
that we aim to drive the technology and the market rather than simply be world-class roller cone bits, PDC bits,
another follower. PDM bits, mud motors and much more to
service these industries.
Contents
Understanding the numbers................................................................................... 1-3 Understanding
Bit Selection Guide ........................................................................................................ 4
Bit Thread and Make-up Torque ........................................................................... 5 The Numbers
Bearing Technology ....................................................................................................... 6-9
HDD Bits ................................................................................................................................ 10-13 Our team has developed an easy to understand coding
Mining Bits ........................................................................................................................... 14-17 structure for our various product ranges. These codes
Oil and Gas Bits ................................................................................................................. 18-21 assist you in making the correct selection every time!
Nozzle Sizes .......................................................................................................................... 22 The following is an example of how this coding
Expected Nozzle Velocity ................................................................................ 23 nomenclature works:
Down-hole Situations and Related Measures.................................... 24-25
Testing Method for Drill Parameter Optimisation ..................................... 26

Our Product Nomenclature

Example Code

K D S - 0 6 1 2 - 6 3 7- P

Supplier Product Line Bit Size IADC Code Bearing Seal

Supplier Code Type
M - Mining 6 1/2” 637
KD - Kingdream S - Special Ranges From P - Polymer
4 3/4” - 32” M - Metal

1
IADC Code Nomenclature
IADC Code Nomenclature
The International Association of Drilling Contractors
1 2 3
(IADC) have developed a nomenclature to aid
Bearing / Gauge
drillers in determining the most suited bit for Series Formation Type
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
the job at hand.
1
2
The IADC code consists of 3 digits, 1 Soft
which determine the required 3

characteristics of the bit. 4

1

Steel Tooth
2
2 Medium
3
4
1
2
3 Hard

Sealed Journal Bearing With Gauge Protection

3

Sealed Roller Bearing With Gauge Protection

Open Roller Bearing With Gauge Protection
4

Open Roller Bearing Air Cooled

1

Sealed Journal Bearing

2

Sealed Roller Bearing

Open Roller Bearing
Example Code 4 Soft
3

123
4
1

Soft to 2
5
Medium 3

Tungsten Carbide Tooth

4
1

1 2 3 6 Medium
2
3
4

The first digit defines the The second digit further The third digit defines the 1
series, which determines differentiates the hardness bearing system used and 2
7 Hard
the general formation that of the formation, with a also the gauge protection 3
the bit is intended for and higher number indicating of the bit.
4
also divides bits into mill higher hardness.
tooth and tungsten 1
carbide cutting elements. 2
8 Very Hard
3
4

2 3
 Bit Selection Bit Thread &
Guide Make-up Torque

Uniaxial Compressive Bit Series Bit Size Recommended Make Up

Typical Ground Thread
Strength Soft Medium Hard Sample Roller Cone Inch Millimetre Torque (KN.m)
Formation
PSI MPa 4xx 5xx 6xx 7xx 8xx 3 1/4 - 4 1/2 82.55 - 114.3 2 3/8” API Regular 2.4 - 2.7
4 17/32 - 5 1/2 115.09 - 139.7 2 7/8” API Regular 4.2 - 4.6
5 17/32 - 9 3/8 140.50 - 200.03 3 1/2” API Regular 7.1 - 7.7
Shale, Sandstone, Sand, 7 13/32 - 9 3/8 188.12 - 238.13 4 1/2” API Regular 17 - 18.6
5000 34
Siltstone, Claystone
9 13/32 - 14 1/2 239.92 - 368.3 6 5/8” API Regular 50.3 - 57.5
14 9/16 - 26 369.89 - 660.4 7 5/8” API Regular 65.5 - 71.9

7000 48
9000 62
Limestone, Dolomite,
Shale, Sandstone, Con-
glomerate, Marble
11000 75 Mudstone, Gypsum

13000 90
15000 103
17000 117 Granite, Dolomite,
Limestone, Gneiss,
19000 131 Shale, Sandstone,
Syenite, Serpentine,
21000 145 Trachyte, Gypsum

23000 159

25000 172
27000 186
29000 200
31000 214 Pyrite, Granite, Peridot-
ite, Limestone, Volcanic
33000 228 Conglomerate, Quartz-
ite, Diorite, Andesite,
35000 241 Basalt
37000 255
39000 269
41000 283
43000 296

Granite, Quartzite, Ba-

45000 310 salt, Chert, Radiolarite

4 5

Bearing
Technology
The most critical component of a roller cone
bit is the bearing. Often, the life of a bit is
limited by the bearing system used.
Kingdream equip their bits with the highest
quality bearings system to ensure good life
and sustained performance.
6 7
Bearing Structures
There are two different bearing structures
that are used in roller cone bits, roller bear-
ings and journal bearings, each with their
own application
1
Roller
Roller bearings are a more effective option, and best suited for larger diameter drill
bits drilling in shallower bores. The roller bearing system requires more space to
support a comparable weight on bit to a journal bearing. Roller bearings are also
capable of supporting high rotational speeds, due to their reduced contact area.
2
Journal
Journal bearings are capable of supporting more weight on bit, due to the increased
contact surface of the bearing. These bearings are precisely manufactured using
exotic materials to provide the best possible bit life, while simultaneously supporting
an impressively large weight on bit. Typically these bits are also equipped with a
pressure compensation system to ensure that a suitable lubrication film remains
between the faces of the journal bearing.
Bearing Sealing Systems
There are three different styles of sealing
system available, open, polymer and metal
faced each with their own use case.
2
Polymer Sealed
Sealed bearing systems are best suited for operation with drilling muds where the
bearings can be better cooled by the flushing medium. The seal ensures better
lubrication by containing the grease and minimising the ingress of solids from the
circulating mud. Kingdream uses a highly advanced polymer to seal their bearings
which is suited to cope with the solids in circulating muds, and the relative high speed
that these bits rotate at.

1
Open
Open bearings are best suited for applications utilising air blast. In an open bearing
system the air can be directed to the bearing cavity to cool the bearings and hence
3
improve the life of the bit. Specialised filters are utilised to reduce the ingress of any
solids into the bearing cavity. Metal-faced Sealed
Compared to a polymer bearing, metal-faced bearings offer a far superior sealing
Compared to a sealed bearing system, open bearing systems are also more cost
solution ensuring that the bearing surfaces remain well lubricated and free of
effective due to the simpler construction of the roller cone. However, when operating
contaminants. The primary benefit of the metal faced seal, is the rate at which the
with mud circulation, open bearing roller cones are impacted significantly by ingress
seal wears. For a metal-faced seal, Kingdream uses a proprietary metallurgy on the
of solids to the bearings, reducing the life of the bit.
sealing faces to maximise the life of the seal and hence the bit, circulating muds, and
the relative high speed that these bits rotate at.

8 9
 HDD Bits

They Call Us The Specifically designed cutter layout

Dream Team
The cutter layout used on our HDD bits ensures that
the shirttail is protected during demanding horizontal
drilling and steering procedures.

Proprietary metallurgy
Not because we are sleeping on the job,
The bearings are the key to any roller cone bit, and
quite the opposite! HMA have sought Kingdream use the most advanced metallurgy in
to develop a range of roller cone bits their bearings to assure good performance. This
technology is also widely used throughout their oil-
that are designed specifically for the field product line with proven results
HDD market. Working closely with
Kingdream’s engineers, the product Extra gauge protection
that has been developed integrates Additional gauge protection in the form of
design features used in the oil and hard facing and tungsten carbide has been
added to the bit, to cope with the extra wear
gas industry to ensure consistent and typical of horizontal drilling applications..
reliable performance in HDD. The de-
Replaceable tungsten carbide jets
sign of each bit has been fine tuned to
cope with unique challenges that are To accommodate different mud flow
scenarios, all bits are equipped with easy to change
faced in the HDD industry, and engi- TC jets. The jets are retained with a simple circlip,
neered to increase your daily productiv- allowing for quick change-out in the workshop or
in the field. HMA also keep a range of nozzles in
ity. stock at all times to keep you drilling.

Pressure compensation system

5 1/2” IADC 537 Each bearing has a pressure compensation

(Product code: KDS-0512-537-P) system which ensures that the bearings
are constantly supplied with grease even as
pressures in the bore increase. This promotes
better life of the bearings by improving the
cooling and lubrication.
10 11
HDD
Product Range

5 1/2” IADC 537

(Product code: KDS-0512-537-P)

Bit operation
Recommendation
Normal Rotary Ideal Rotary
Bit Size IADC Normal WOB (lbs) Ideal WOB (kN)
Seal Type Speed (RPM) Speed (RPM)
Code
In mm Min Max Avg. Max Min Min Max Avg. Max Min

Polymer 537 56 147 101 110 40 84 126 105 100 60

Polymer 637 84 154 119 90 40 98 140 119 70 50
5 1/2 139.70
Polymer 737 98 168 133 70 30 112 154 133 60 40
Polymer 837 49 140 94 140 60 70 112 91 120 80
Polymer 537 66 173 120 110 40 99 149 124 100 60
Available, with polymer seal Available, with metal-faced seal
Polymer 637 99 182 140 90 40 116 165 140 70 50
6 1/2 165.10
Bit Size IADC Codes Polymer 737 116 198 157 70 30 132 182 157 60 40
Thread
Inch Millimeter 537 637 Polymer 837 58 165 111 140 60 83 132 107 120 80

4 3/4 120.65 2 3/8” API Regular Polymer 537 86 227 157 110 40 130 194 162 100 60

2 7/8” API Regular Polymer 637 130 237 184 90 40 151 216 184 70 50
5 1/2 139.7 8 1/2 215.90
3 1/2” API Regular Polymer 737 151 259 205 70 30 173 237 205 60 40
6 1/2 165.1 3 1/2” API Regular Polymer 837 76 216 146 140 60 108 173 140 120 80
6 3/4 171.45 3 1/2” API Regular Polymer 537 124 327 226 110 40 187 280 233 100 60
9 7/8 250.823 6 5/8” API Regular Polymer 637 187 342 264 90 40 218 311 264 70 50
12 1/4 311.15
12 1/4 311.15 6 5/8” API Regular Polymer 737 218 373 296 70 30 249 342 296 60 40
17 1/2” 444.5 7 5/8” API Regular Polymer 837 109 311 210 140 60 156 249 202 120 80
Contact us today to order any of these sizes or inquire about the Polymer 537 178 467 322 110 40 267 400 333 100 60
vast amount of sizes and IADC codes that we can offer Polymer 637 267 489 378 90 40 311 445 378 70 50
17 1/2 444.50
Polymer 737 311 533 422 70 30 356 489 422 60 40
Polymer 837 156 445 300 140 60 222 356 289 120 80

12 13
 Mining Bits
Custom designed cutter layout
To accommodate differing ground conditions, Kingdream is

With Age Comes

able to design unique cutter layouts to optimise the ROP of
your drill bits in production applications.

Experience Proprietary metallurgy

The bearings are the key to any roller cone bit, and
Kingdream use the most advanced metallurgy in
their bearings to assure good performance.

Kingdream has a wealth of experience

Optional sealed bearings
working with the mining industry across
Kingdream has recently looked to imple-
the globe to ensure that their drilling ment their oil field technology into their
operations operate at peak efficien- mining bits by incorporating a sealed
bearing option. This significantly improves
cy at all times. Implementing their the bearing life in scenarios where mud is
used as the flushing medium.
knowledge from the oil field, King-
dream is able to incorporate design
Replaceable jets
features and materials few other
To accommodate different mud flow scenarios,
manufactures can, allowing for the all bits are equipped with easy to change jets.
cost per metre of your drill shot.

Air filtration system

This system serves two purposes, primarily it is
used to minimise the ingress of any debris into
the bearings to improve their life. However, the
filters serve a dual purpose to also better direct
airflow towards the bearings, allowing for
significantly improved cooling, and hence life.

Non-return valve
9” IADC 412
(Product code: KDM-0900-412) To ensure that no solids are allowed to
enter the bearing cavity, a non-return
valve is included at the inlet of the drill bit

14 15
Mining
Product Range

9” IADC 412
Bit operation
(Product code: KDM-0900-412)
Recommendation
Bit Diameter Seal IADC Recommended WOB (lbs) Recommended WOB (kN) Recommended RPM
Inch mm Type Code Min Max Min Max Max Min
6 3/4 171.45 - 542 16000 40000 71197 177993 105 60
- 412 12000 28000 53398 124595 125 60
- 432 14000 32000 62297 142394 125 60
7 7/8 200.025 Polymer 435 14000 32000 62297 142394 125 60
- 542 18000 41000 80097 182442 105 60
- 642 22000 48000 97896 213591 95 60
8 3/4 222.25 - 412 13000 31000 57848 137944 125 60
- 412 14000 32000 62297 142394 125 60
- 432 16000 36000 71197 160193 125 60
9 228.6 - 512 17000 43000 75647 191342 115 60
- 632 25000 53000 111245 235840 95 60
- 722 32000 73000 142394 324837 90 60
- 542 20000 50000 88996 222491 105 60
- 642 30000 60000 133494 266989 95 60
Available, unsealed Available, with polymer seal Available, with metal-faced seal 9 7/8 250.825
- 722 35000 80000 155744 355985 90 60

Bit Size IADC Codes Polymer 725 35000 80000 155744 355985 90 60
Thread
Inch mm 412 415 432 435 532 535 635 735 - 532 23000 53000 102346 235840 110 60

6 1/4 158.75 3 1/2” API Regular - 642 32000 70000 142394 311487 95 60
10 5/8 269.875
6 3/4 171.45 3 1/2” API Regular - 722 34000 85000 151294 378234 90 60

7 7/8 200.03 4 1/2” API Regular Polymer 717 32000 90000 142394 400483 100 60

8 1/2 215.9 4 1/2” API Regular - 542 30000 70000 133494 31149? 105 60

9 228.6 4 1/2” API Regular - 642 37000 90000 164643 400483 95 60

9 7/8 250.83 6 5/8” API Regular Polymer 617 35000 90000 155744 400483 110 60
12 1/4 311.15
10 5/8 269.88 6 5/8” API Regular Polymer 647 36000 92000 160193 409383 95 60

12 1/4 311.15 6 5/8” API Regular - 722 50000 100000 222491 444982 90 60

13 3/4 349.25 6 5/8” API Regular Polymer 825 60000 120000 266989 533978 80 60

15 381 7 5/8” API Regular - 532 35000 80000 155744 355985 110 60
13 3/4 349.25
- 642 40000 95000 177993 422733 95 60
Contact us today to order any of these sizes or inquire about the
vast amount of sizes and IADC codes that we can offer 15 381 Polymer 535 36000 85000 160193 378234 110 60

16 17
 Oil & Gas Bits
Specifically designed cutter layout

Always Going Every single oil well is a unique challenge, as

such Kingdream’s engineers take great care

The Distance
ensuring the cutting structures are properly
suited to the lithology.

Proprietary materials
Kingdream has been engaged in the oil The bearings are the key to any roller cone
and gas industry for more than 50 years, bit, and Kingdream use the most
advanced metallurgy in their bearings to
where they have been able to devel- assure good performance.
op a BHA integration capability that
positions them as an industry leader. Pressure compensation system
Kingdream has worked extensively
Each bearing has a pressure
with Sinopec, Petrochina, CNOOC and compensation system which ensures
that the bearings are constantly supplied
many other oil and gas exploration with grease even as pressures in the bore
companies for many years. Notably, increase. This promotes better life of the
bearings by improving the cooling and
Kingdream has completed more than lubrication.
40 ultra-deep wells exceeding a depth
of 8,000m. Further, in 2021, Kingdream Rubber and metal-faced
sealing systems
completed a record breaking 9,600m
Dependent upon the depth of the well, it
well in Shubei, the deepest well in Asia may be necessary to utilise a metal-faced
to date. sealing system to accommodate the
temperatures at this depth.

12 1/4” IADC 537 Replaceable tungsten carbide jets

(Product code: KDS-1214-537-M)
To accommodate different mud flow
scenarios, all bits are equipped with easy
to change TC jets.

18 19
Oil/Gas
Product Range

12 1/4” IADC 537

(Product code: KDS-1214-537-M)

Bit operation
Recommendation
Normal Rotary Ideal Rotary
Bit Size IADC Normal WOB (kN) Ideal WOB (kN)
Seal Type Speed (RPM) Speed (RPM)
Code
In mm Min Max Avg. Max Min Min Max Avg. Max Min

Metal 537 70 147 108 220 40 98 126 112 100 60

Metal 637 70 154 112 200 40 98 140 119 70 50
5 1/2 139.70
Metal 737 98 168 133 180 40 112 154 133 60 40
Metal 837 112 168 140 160 40 126 168 147 120 80
Metal 537 83 173 128 220 40 116 149 132 100 60
Metal 637 83 182 132 200 40 116 165 140 70 50
6 1/2 165.10
Metal 737 116 198 157 180 40 132 182 157 60 40
Metal 837 132 198 165 160 40 149 198 173 120 80
Available, with polymer seal Available, with metal-faced seal Metal 537 108 227 167 220 40 151 194 173 100 60
Metal 637 108 237 173 200 40 151 216 184 70 50
Bit Size IADC Codes 8 1/2 215.90
Thread Metal 737 151 259 205 180 40 173 237 205 60 40
Inch mm 517 537 637
Metal 837 173 259 216 160 40 194 259 227 120 80
4 3/4” 120.65 2 3/8” API Regular
Metal 537 156 327 241 220 40 218 280 249 100 60
2 7/8” API Regular
5 1/2” 139.7
3 1/2” API Regular Metal 637 156 342 249 200 40 218 311 264 70 50
12 1/4 311.15
6 1/2” 165.1 3 1/2” API Regular Metal 737 218 373 296 180 40 249 342 296 60 40
6 3/4” 171.45 3 1/2” API Regular Metal 837 249 373 311 160 40 280 373 327 120 80
7 7/8” 200.03 3 1/2” API Regular Metal 537 222 467 344 220 40 311 400 356 100 60
8 1/2” 215.9 4 1/2” API Regular Metal 637 222 489 356 200 40 311 445 378 70 50
17 1/2 444.50
9 7/8” 250.83 6 5/8” API Regular Metal 737 311 533 422 180 40 356 489 422 60 40
12 1/4” 311.15 6 5/8” API Regular Metal 837 356 533 445 160 40 400 533 467 120 80
14 3/4” 374.65 7 5/8” API Regular
17 1/2” 44.5 7 5/8” API Regular

Contact us today to order any of these sizes or inquire about the

20 vast amount of sizes and IADC codes that we can offer 21
Nozzle Size Expected
Availability Nozzle Velocity
For different bit Target velocity range
sizes 25-50 m/s

Nozzle Size Availability

For Oil and gas + HDD drill bits.
Series S1 - S5 are Standard Nozzles; Series SC2
and SC4 are Centre Nozzles

Bit Size
Nozzle Nozzle Orifice Diameter (mm)
Inch Millimeter
Series
Min Max Min Max 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 22 24
4 3/4” 5 3/4” 120.65 146.05 S1 x x x x x x x x x
5 7/8” 7 3/8” 149.23 187.33 S2 x x x x x x x x x x
7 1/2” 8 1/4” 190.50 209.55 S3 x x x x x x x x x x x x
8 3/8” 14 5/8” 212.73 371.48 S4 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
14 3/4” 26” 374.65 660.40 S5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
8 3/8” 11” 212.73 279.40 SC2 x x x x x x x x x
11 5/8” 17” 295.28 431.80 SC4 x x x x x x x x x x x

Expected Nozzle Velocity (m/s)

Flushing Fluid Flow Rate, L/s (gpm)
Nozzle TFA
0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 15 20 30 40 50
Nozzle Size Availability Size (mm2)
(8) (16) (32) (48) (64) (79) (95) (127) (159) (238) (318) (476) (635) (794)
(mm)
For Mining drill bits. 6 84.8 6 12 24 35 47 59 71 94 118 177 236 354 472 589
7 115.5 4 9 17 26 36 43 52 69 87 130 173 260 346 433
Bit Size Nozzle Nozzle Orifice Diameter (mm)
O.D. 8 150.8 3 7 13 20 27 33 40 53 66 99 133 199 265 332
Inch mm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20.5 21 22 23 24 25 29 31 33
(mm)
9 190.9 3 5 10 16 21 26 31 42 52 79 105 157 210 262
6 3/4” 171.45 23.50 x x x
10 235.6 2 4 8 13 17 21 25 34 42 64 85 127 170 212
7 7/8” 200.3 29.74 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
12 339.3 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 24 29 44 59 88 118 147
9” 228.60
13 398.2 1 3 5 8 10 13 15 20 25 38 50 75 100 126
9 7/8” 250.83
33.00 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 14 461.8 1 2 4 6 9 11 13 17 22 32 43 65 87 108
10 5/8” 269.88
16 603.2 1 2 3 5 7 8 10 13 17 25 33 50 66 83
12 1/4” 311.15
19 850.6 1 1 2 4 6 6 7 9 12 18 24 35 47 59
13 3/4” 349.25 40.90 x x x
22 1140.4 0 1 2 3 4 4 5 7 9 13 18 26 35 44
15” 40.84 x x
24 1357.2 0 1 1 2 3 4 4 6 7 11 15 22 29 37

22 23
Problems Solutions!

Down-hole situations
Corrective actions for bit balling are:
Surface behavior of
No. Possible Cause
down-hole problem 1. Pick up off the bottom of the hole approximately half a meter and circulate at full flow for 10
Increased formation hardness to 15 minutes
Non-optimal WOB & RPM 2. Begin to rotate the bit whilst circulating, this will act to remove waste matters from the
Gauge wear surface of the bit.
1 Torque increase
Well inclination increase
Filter cake increase Corrective actions for bit bouncing are:
Drill stem washout :
1. Adjust the WOB, RPM and flushing rate individually to determine if any parameter has an
Reduction in formation hardness
influence on the bit bouncing. If the bit bouncing is still not resolved and a low ROP is
Not optimum WOB & RPM
noted, a trip out can be considered to inspect the bit.
2 Torque decrease Well inclination decrease
Filter cake decrease
2. If it has been determined that there are fallen matters, broken teeth, etc. the following steps
Bit balling
should be taken:
Flushing flow rate increase
Well plugging
(a) Lift the bit up half a meter from the bottom of the hole and circulate high-duty mud
Standpipe pressure Bit wear or cored
while rotating at a low RPM (40-60 r/min) for 5 minutes.
3
increase Mud density or viscosity increase
Bit balling
(b) Continue circulating high-duty mud and slowly return the bit at a low RPM to the
bottom of the hole.
Drill stem washout
Flushing flow rate decrease (c) Repeat the previous steps to ensure that the bottom of the hole and bit is
Standpipe pressure Mud density or viscosity decrease adequately cleaned.
4
decrease Air fill into mud
Gas kick (d) The bit is then returned to the bottom of the hole and drilled.
Mud lost in broken formation
Formation become harder
(e) If the bit bouncing is not resolved please consider trip out and fishing.
Mud density increase or performance deterioration bit wear
Not optimum WOB & RPM
Corrective actions for drilling hard stringers, hard abrasive or hard, muddy
5 ROP decrease
Cleaning effect decrease
sandstone formations::
Bit balling
Drill tool washout
1. If the stringer is not forecast to be thick, lower the RPM and drill through the stringer with
caution. Reducing the RPM will improve the service life of the bit.
Laminar formation
Soft and hard interbed 2. If the stringer/hard formation is forecast to be thick however, do not begin drilling through
6 ROP instability
Broken formation the stringer. It is better to form the bottom hole pattern on the stringer/hard formation and
Bit balling reselect a drill bit better suited to the conditions.

The bit can begin to oscillate in the hole as a result of:

- friction torque while drilling a plastic formation.
7 Bit bouncing
- cracked/broken formation.
- lost subject in the hole, such as cutting elements

24 25
 Test Method for
Drill Parameter Optimisation
1. Initially, select a WOB from the recommended range and a moderate RPM
(between 60-100 rpm).

2. Drill for 5 minutes with these parameters and record the progression and
calculate the ROP.

3. Increase the WOB incrementally and maintain the same RPM and continue
drilling for a further 5 minutes.

4. Again, record the progression and calculate the ROP.

5. Repeat the previous steps until the maximum recommended WOB is reached.

6. Next, select the WOB that provided the highest ROP and use it to
determine the optimal RPM.

7. Increase the RPM incrementally and drill for another 5 minutes, recording
the progression and the ROP.

8. Repeat the previous step until the maximum recommended RPM has been
reached.

9. It should be noted that lowering the RPM below the initially selected value
should also be considered.

10. Select the RPM that yielded the highest ROP and continue drilling through the
formation.

It should be noted that the optimal drilling parameters will depend upon a range of
other factors not considered in this simplified testing methodology.

RPM : 100r/min WOB : 60KN

Times
WOB (KN) Drilling Hour (min/m) RPM (r/min) Drilling Hour (min/m)
1 80 8 100 7
2 100 9 120 5.5
3 60 7 80 8
Select 60 7 120 5.5

Note: the above table is an example of the matrix that may be generated
using this optimisation methodology

26
 Contact Us
40 Peter Brock Drive,
Eastern Creek, NSW, 2766
Sydney Australia

Phone: +61 2 9009 4455

Fax: +61 2 9009 4456
Email: drilling@hardmetals.com

www.hardmetals.com