Concurrent engineering accelerates development of new slim hole bits to provide superior performance and reliability
- Reed Tool Co., Houston, TX (United States)
The successful use of concurrent engineering to expedite new product development requires thoughtful selection of the project team, and clear performance objectives. Concurrent engineering, when properly implemented, can yield a superior product, with less development time, lower cost and greater product consistency. For critical applications, such as rock bits for slim hole drilling, product reliability is paramount. Slim hole bits require tighter process control to minimize variations that could impact bearing and seal clearances, bearing surface finishes, insert retention, and drilling efficiency of the bit. Greater durability and longer bit life are enhanced when the design and manufacturing processes are concurrently developed. The success of concurrently engineering a 4 3/4 inch slim hole insert bit for re-entry horizontal drilling had a direct impact on the cost of drilling, setting a world record in Canada for most footage drilled and reducing the cost per foot on a well in Hobbs, New Mexico by 40%. The total time required for the project to move from conception to successful bit run was 25% faster than traditional project development efforts. The paper will examine the development process of the 4 3/4 inch slim hole bit with emphasis on selecting a successful project team, establishing clear performance objectives and an analysis of field results from the initial field test which will demonstrate the attainment of the established objectives.
- OSTI ID:
- 287846
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960154--; ISBN 0-9648731-8-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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