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Selecting a drill bit

Contents
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1 Factors to consider during bit selection and operation

o

1.1 Rules of thumb for bit selection

1.2 Tripping can ruin a new bit

1.3 Establish a bottomhole pattern

1.4 Use a drill-off test to select best weight on bit (WOB) and speed

1.5 The bit is not always to blame for low ROP

2 References

3 Noteworthy papers in OnePetro

4 External links

5 See also

6 Page champions

7 Category

Factors to consider during bit selection and operation

Some important rules to help guide in drilling bit selection are discussed below:

Rules of thumb for bit selection

Shale has a better drilling response to drill speed.

Limestone has a better drilling response to bit weight.

Bits with roller bearings can be run at a higher speed than bits with journal bearings.

Bits with sealed bearings have a longer life than bits with open bearings.

Bits with journal bearings can be run at higher weights than bits with roller bearings.

Diamond product bits can run at higher speeds than three-cone bits.

Bits with high offset may wear more on gauge.

Cost-per-foot analysis can help you decide which bit to use.

Examination of dulls can also help you decide which bit to use.

Tripping can ruin a new bit

Make the bit up to proper torque.

Hoist and lower the bit slowly through ledges and doglegs.

Hoist and lower the bit slowly at liner tops.

Avoid sudden stops. Drillpipe stretch can cause a bit to hit the hole bottom.

If reaming is required, use a light weight and low speed.

Establish a bottomhole pattern

Rotate the bit and circulate mud when approaching bottom. This will prevent plugged nozzles and
clear out fill.

Lightly tag bottom with low speed.

Gradually increase speed and then gradually increase weight.

Use a drill-off test to select best weight on bit (WOB) and speed

Select speed.
Select bit weight. Depending on bit selected, refer to appropriate manufacturers recommended
maximum speed and WOB.

Lock brake.

Record drill-off time for 5,000-lbm increments of weight indicator decrease.

Repeat this procedure for different speeds.

Drill at the weight and speed that give the fastest drill-off time.

The bit is not always to blame for low ROP

Mud weight may be too high with respect to formation pressure.

Mud solids may need to be controlled.

Pump pressure or pump volume may be too low.

Formation hardness may have increased.

Speed and weight may not be the best for bit type and formation. Use drill-off test.

Bit may not have adequate stabilization.

Bit may be too hard for the formation.

References
Noteworthy papers in OnePetro
External links

See also
Rotary drill bits
Roller cone bit design
PDC drill bits
PEH:Introduction to Roller-Cone and Polycrystalline Diamond Drill Bits

Page champions
Sebastian Desmette

Category
Categories:

1.5 Drill bits

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This page was last modified on 19 January 2016, at 16:26.

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