ndustry Article: New Drill Bits Boost Efficiency, Safety
New Drill Bits Boost Efficiency, Safety
Publication: American Oil & Gas Reporter
Publication Date: 04/01/2016
Colter Cookson, assistant editor, American Oil & Gas Reporter
From novel cutter geometries that reduce vibration to advanced cutters for ultratough formations, PDC bit manufacturers continue to demonstrate a knack for coming up with new twists on old ideas. Their efforts have paid off. The latest drill bits are setting penetration rate records in all types of formations, and are completing jobs in single runs that once required three or four bits.
Meanwhile, new hybrids are bringing roller cone-quality steerability and respectable speed to applications traditionally dominated by PDC bits. And thanks to more robust seals and bearings, roller cone bits continue to redefine performance benchmarks in tough, abrasive formations and large-diameter holes.