The development of small diameter bit technology and its impact on slim hole drilling programs
- Hughes Christensen Co., The Woodlands, TX (United States)
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the inability of small diameter bit designs to drill at cost-effective penetration rates and total footage severely curtailed the predicted economic benefits of slim hole drilling programs. Further, many slim hole projects faced limitations in hole diameters, because of the unavailability of roller cone and fixed cutter bits for hole sizes at the lower end of the spectrum. Early on, the drilling industry estimated that slim technology could save 40--60% of the costs associated with drilling and completing wells. Realization of those economic expectations hinged on improving the technology of small diameter drill bits. This paper describes the development of a new generation of small diameter roller cone and fixed cutter bits and its impact on slim hole drilling programs worldwide. A key component of the engineering advancements was compressing the features of larger bits into small diameter units. The authors will discuss the design features in detail and will present and analyze case studies from various applications worldwide. The performance data will show significant increases in penetration rate and footage, with corresponding decreases in drillings costs.
- OSTI ID:
- 485050
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970146--; ISBN 1-890277-02-9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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