Bit whirl; A new theory of PDC bit failure

Journal Article · Fri Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1990 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drilling Engineering; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/19571-PA· OSTI ID:5820392

Brett, J F; Warren, T M; Behr, S M ^[1]

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1. Amoco Production Co. (US)

This paper presents the results of a study showing that the most harmful polycrystalline-diamond-compact (PDC) bit vibrations can be attributed to a phenomenon called bit whirl. During whirl, the instantaneous center of rotation moves around the face of the bit, and the bit whirls backward around the hole. Cutters on a whirling bit can move sideways, backward, and much faster than those on a true rotating bit. The impact loads associated with this motion cause PDC cutters to chip, which, in turn, accelerates wear. Laboratory and field results show the detrimental effects of whirl on PDC bit rate of penetration (ROP) and life.

• OSTI ID: 5820392
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drilling Engineering; (USA), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drilling Engineering; (USA) Vol. 5:4; ISSN SDENE; ISSN 0885-9744
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
CARBON
DIAMONDS
DRILL BITS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
MINERALS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
ROCK DRILLING
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
WEAR
WELLS