Baker Hughes has introduced the Hughes Christensen IRev infinite-revolution bit that improves run life while minimizing trips and the number of bits required when drilling in hard and abrasive intervals, including sandstones or complex sections interbedded with softer shales. IRev technology features a cutting structure that includes diamond-impregnated posts that allow an increased rate of rock removal, enabling the bit to drill in places where polycrystalline-diamond compact bits typically cannot perform. As diamonds wear away, new diamonds are exposed to enhance performance and extend bit life further. Other new features of the IRev bit include a design that enables higher torque output to deliver greater rate of penetration (ROP). Application-specific diamond grits provide optimal performance by matching technology to application. Depending on the application environment, additional features can be incorporated into the IRev bit to deliver superior performance. New profiles balance workloads better to extend bit life, while improved hydraulics enables more-effective cleaning in hard sections interbedded with stickier, softer shales and siltstones. Posts can be exposed above the blades to improve aggressiveness in less-demanding applications, delivering higher ROP. (Chris Carpenter, JPT Technology Editor)
The IRev infnite revolution impreg bit from Baker Hughes improves run life, while minimizing trips and the number of bits required when drilling in hard and abrasive intervals, including sandstones, or complex sections interbedded with softer shales.
For enhanced performance that allows bits to stay in the hole longer and complete the interval, IRev technology features a completely new cutting structure. This cutting structure includes diamond impregnated posts that allow a more aggressive rate of rock removal, enabling the bit to drill in places where PDC bits typically cannot perform.
As diamonds wear away, new diamonds are exposed to enhance performance and further extend bit life. Bits are available in sizes from 55⁄8 to 14¾ in. (142.9 to 374.7 mm) and can accommodate a full range of challenging environments.
The innovative and reliable IRev impreg bit can be used with a full range of high-speed motors, including the Baker Hughes Navi-Drill X-treme HS system. The X-treme power section includes a 1/2 rotor/stator lobe configuration that delivers high rotation speeds of up to 1,250 RPM with moderate torque. The power sections cover the same speed range as a turbine while providing higher torque and increased flexibility. This additional torque, at the same RPM range, permits the use of a higher weight on bit than would be possible with the turbine, increasing rates of penetration (ROP).
Depending on the application environment, additional features can be incorporated into the IRev bit to deliver superior performance. New profiles better balance workloads to extend bit life, while improved hydraulics enable more effective cleaning in hard sections interbedded with stickier, softer shales and siltstones. Additionally, posts can be exposed above the blades to improve aggressiveness in less demanding applications, delivering higher ROP. IRev bits can be used with a box or pin connection for use on high-speed motors or turbines.
Applications
Extremely hard and abrasive intervals
Hard sections interbedded with soft shales and siltstones
Enhanced coring operations
Features and Benefits
Diamond impregnated posts
– Increases durability, performance, and footage drilled
More aggressive design
– Enables higher torque output to deliver greater ROP, especially when paired with a high-speed motor
Superior manufacturing process
– Improves primary cutting structure durability and quality, leading to longer run life
Application-specific diamond grits
– Provides optimal performance by matching technology to application for best performance
Optimized profile
– Better balances workloads and extends bit life
Improved hydraulics
– Enables more effective cleaning in hard sections interbedded with stickier, softer shales and siltstones
Case study
IRev Impreg Bit Delivered Excellent Performance Over Bits Used in Offset Wells
Location: Colombia
An operator in the Colombian foothills needed to improve bit durability while drilling through the challenging Barco and Guadalupe formations. Offset wells in these formations were previously drilled with polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits, tungsten carbine insert (TCI) bits, and outdated impregnated bits—all had difficulties getting through the section. After drilling, the condition of these bits was poor and additional bits were needed to get through the hard and abrasive formations.
For the next well, Baker Hughes proposed its 14¾-in. IRev impregnated diamond bit with a TruTrak system and Navi-Drill X-treme HS high-speed motor (0.93 rev/ gal). This combination drilled 108 ft (32.9 m) at 4.9 ft/hr (1.5 m/hr). On the second run, the bit was reused on a Navi-Drill X-treme LS low-speed motor (0.15 rev/gal) assembly with the TruTrak system. This bottom hole assembly (BHA) drilled 665 ft (202.6 m) at 3.9 ft/hr (1.2 m/hr). Overall the IRev bit and drilling BHA drilled 773 ft (235.6 m) at 4 ft/hr (1.2 m/hr) and successfully completed the interval through the diffcult formations.
After the IRev impreg bit was pulled from the hole, it was in dramatically better condition compared with the TCIs and other impreg bits used on offset wells. The IRev bit exhibited even wear across the profile of the bit, with sharp diamonds on the surface of the matrix. The used TCI bit’s cutting structure was completely worn down, and the bit was undergauge. The previous impreg bit had heavy wear in the shoulder of the bit, with some damage to the cone.
Challenging Interval Completed in One Run with IRev Impregnated Drill Bit and Navi-Drill Ultra HS Motor
Location: Onshore Algeria
An operator drilling through interbedded sections of hard sandstone and loose shale, which often landed total depth (TD) in metamorphic rock, was having diffculty reaching TD in one run. Sections typically required more than one bit, and rate of penetration (ROP) had always been slow. Baker Hughes recommended its 6-in. IRev infnite revolution impregnated drill bit coupled with its 4¾-in. Navi-Drill Ultra HS high-performance, positive displacement motor. The IRev bit is especially effective in the hardest formations; its impregnated post technology provides continuous exposure of fresh diamonds over time to extend bit life as it drills. The Navi-Drill Ultra HS motor, engineered to run with impregnated drill bits, offers high rotational speed at moderate torque.
The solution allowed the operator to reach TD in one run and set a new distance record in this field of 1,010 ft (308 m). ROP was very good, averaging 5.2 ft/hr (1.6 m/hr), and the bit was pulled out of hole in good condition. A bit trip and at least one bit were saved for the operator, an equivalent of USD 195,000.