Soft formation insert bits improve ROP and lower cost per foot

Journal Article · Mon Aug 17 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7033090

Grimes, B; Scott, D ^[1]

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

Advances in material and design technologies have enabled softer tungsten carbide insert (TCI) rolling cone bits to lower drilling costs through increases in rates of penetration and total footage drilled. This paper discusses soft formation TCI bits of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) 437 class, introduced more than a decade ago. As the bits evolved and additional sizes were introduced, the applications continued to expand. The early IADC 437 bits replaced steel tooth or harder TCI bits such as IADC 517 bits, thereby giving the operator and contractor opportunities to reduce drilling costs. The latest version of soft formation bits (IADC 417 and 427 types) mirror the success of the earlier 437 bits, with significant reductions in drilling costs realized throughout the U.S.

• OSTI ID: 7033090
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 90:33; ISSN 0030-1388; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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