Heavy weight rock bits increase penetration rates in hard rock

Journal Article · Mon May 18 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:5357314

Grimes, R E; Felderhoff, F C ^[1]

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1. Hughes Tool Co., Houston, TX (US)

This paper reports on faster penetration rates and lower costs per foot which result from the use of bits designed specifically for drilling with high weight-on-bit (WOB) in the hard rock formations of the Permian basin. The dolomite and limestone formations indigenous to this area are more responsive to increased WOB rather than higher rotary speeds (rpm). Historically, the heavier weights required to drill these hard formations severely limited the life expectancy of rolling cone bits. The development of a heavy weight International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Class 547Y rock bit has been considered successful because of its reliable and economical application at a higher average WOB than other similar class rock bits. The recently introduced design has proven its ability to accommodate the increased loads required to overcome the relatively high compressive strengths of the hard rocks in the West Texas/southeastern New Mexico area. Furthermore, the new bit can maintain and often increase rates of penetration (ROP) over longer sections of hole. This results in lower cost per foot for drilling in this area. A program was initiated to develop a tungsten carbide insert (TCI) bit that could accommodate weights exceeding 60,000 lb (267 kN) while drilling up to 50% faster than standard rolling cone bits in hard rock applications. To increase bit longevity, the design program focus was three-fold: an increased cutting structure durability, an effective high load/low rpm bearing, and a strengthened bit body.

• OSTI ID: 5357314
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 90:20; ISSN 0030-1388; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATE MINERALS
CARBONATE ROCKS
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
DESIGN
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DOLOMITE
DRILL BITS
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
LIMESTONE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINERALS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
PERMIAN BASIN
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
REFRACTORY METAL COMPOUNDS
RELIABILITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TEXAS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
TUNGSTEN CARBIDES
TUNGSTEN COMPOUNDS
USA
WEIGHT