Unique Fit for Purpose Combination of Three Dimensional Cutters Enabled Operators to Reduce Drilling Cost by Improving ROP and Footage Drilled

Abstract

Finding a safe and efficient approach to drilling in challenging applications is a difficult task for drillers because each field is unique. The industry's common ambition is to use various technologies to increase the mechanical penetration rate and reduce overall drilling time. Most recent studies show that drilling bits play an important role in drilling optimization and help to overcome most of the challenges connected with the rock destruction process and tool lifecycle. In recent years, 3D PDC cutters such as ridge diamond elements (RDE), rolling PDC cutters (RC), and conical diamond elements (CDE) have helped to further improve the drilling efficiency in a majority of applications worldwide. The PDC bit brazed with unique 3D cutters moved the industry set benchmark performance standards to the next level by improving cutter durability and efficiency in drilling. These cutters, depending on the shape, can improve ROP, durability, and can improve overall cutting efficiency. Field tests were conducted in multiple applications with multiple customers in RCA and the authors will present several case studies that will document performance improvement in challenging drilling applications. The results clearly show that the combination of this unique 3D cutter has helped operators to bring a step change in performance by improving ROP and footage drilled. In some cases, operators were able to drill the entire section with the bits equipped with 3D cutter combinations where traditionally more than one bit was used to complete the section. Customization of 3D cutters in the appropriate location of the bit is key to this success.