Drill bit with distinctive-shaped cutting elements reduces drilling costs by improving ROP in soft and plastic rock formations
Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, today launched the HyperBlade* hyperbolic diamond element bit that reduces drilling costs by improving the rate of penetration (ROP), while maintaining steering response and directional tracking in soft and plastic rock formations.
“The HyperBlade bit expands our three-dimensional cutting elements bit portfolio and addresses operational challenges by reducing drilling time and eliminating unnecessary bit trips,” said Kristi Vilay, president, Bits & Drilling Tools, Schlumberger. “With the introduction of this new technology, operators can improve ROP and achieve further gains in drilling efficiency.”
The new technology incorporates the distinctive geometry of Hyper* hyperbolic diamond cutting elements that cut 20% deeper into rock compared with conventional polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters. A thicker, precision-molded diamond table makes the Hyper element tougher and more durable for drilling soft and plastic rock formations, while armored cutting edges withstand high-impact transitions.
Additionally, bit balling is mitigated by the chip-breaking profile at the center of the element, which improves cuttings removal during drilling. With the combination of these features, the HyperBlade bit maintains steerability and directional tracking, and increases average ROP by more than 20% compared with conventional PDC cutters.
The HyperBlade bit has undergone extensive field testing in North America, specifically in the Denver-Julesburg and Appalachian Basins. In the Marcellus Formation in northern Pennsylvania, the HyperBlade bit drilled an 8 ½-in section with a measured depth of 6,891 ft in 16.6 drilling hours. The operator achieved an on-bottom ROP of 415 ft/h, resulting in a 62% improvement compared with offset runs using conventional PDC bits.
The HyperBlade bit is the latest advancement in PDC bit technology from Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company. It incorporates the Hyper hyperbolic diamond cutting element developed by Schlumberger to meet specific challenges operators encounter while drilling soft and plastic formations, while adding to an industry-leading portfolio of bits with unique cutting elements.
In soft and plastic formations, cutting efficiency can be compromised with flat PDC cutters due to severe bit balling as long ribbons of cuttings material pack off the bit cutting structure. The Hyper element minimizes the effect of bit balling by creating small cuttings chips with its hyperbolic geometry, giving the resulting HyperBlade bit improved ROP of more than 21% on average, as compared with flat PDC cutters.
Leading 3D element design produces application-specific advantages
The distinctive hyperbolic shape delivers a more positive rake that cuts 20% deeper into rock compared with flat PDC cutters. A thicker, precision-molded diamond table makes the Hyper element tougher and more durable. And the armored cutting edge withstands formation transitions. Bit balling is mitigated by a combination of the hyperbolic shape and the chip-breaking profile at the center of the element, which improves cuttings removal. This also helps the HyperBlade bit maintain steerabilty with better tracking.
HyperBlade Bit Raises Performance Standard in DJ Basin, Colorado
Achieve higher ROP to TD
Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin is characterized as a soft formation with low abrasion levels. Typical well designs drill vertical, curve, and lateral sections in one run, using one bit and one BHA. The operator needed a bit design that would achieve higher ROP in the vertical, retain consistent steerability and build up in the curve, and have enough durability to drill 10,000 ft to 13,000 ft of the lateral section.
Use the HyperBlade bit to improve field drilling performance
Schlumberger recommended a BHA fitted with a HyperBlade bit. The bit incorporates a 3D cutting element from Schlumberger, the Hyper* hyperbolic diamond cutting element. The Hyper element has a distinctive profile that cuts 20% deeper into soft and plastic formations and reduces cuttings size to minimize bit balling. In addition to substantial ROP increases, the element profile is proven to deliver better tracking and help the HyperBlade bit maintain steerability in curve and lateral sections.
Bit with distinctive hyperbolic profile delivers substantially improved results
The HyperBlade bit achieved an average ROP increase of 20% in three wells on two separate pads
within the same field. One well experienced as much as a 50% improvement in ROP in the vertical, saving the operator 7.5 hours of drilling time versus offset wells using conventional bits. Additionally, this was the fastest well drilled to TD by a specific rig in the DJ Basin. The dull condition of each of the HyperBlade bits was superior to conventional bits from offset wells. Consequently, the HyperBlade bit has become the operator’s preferred cutting technology for the application.
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