I Societyof PetroleumEngineers
SPE 24614
Directional and Stability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits With
Non-Axisymmetric Loading
P.E. Pastusek and C.H. Cooley, Hughes Christensen; L.A. Sinor, Amoco Production Co.;
and Mark Anderson, Hughes Christensen
SPE Members
Copyright 1992, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for prfsentationat the 67th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibitionof the Scciety of Petroleum Engineers held in Wshingtoo, DC, October 4-7, 1992.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of informationcontained in an abstract submitted by the author@).Contents of the paper,
as presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(?,).
any positionof the Society of PetroleumEngineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at SPE meetings are subject to publicationreview by EditorialCommitteesof the Society
of Petroleum Engineers. Permissionto copy is reslrictedto an abstract of n more h a
of where and by whom the paper is presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 750833836 U.S.A. Telex, 730989 SPEDAL.
Abstract
One concept to avoid downhole vibrations with PDC
bits requires a net side force that rotates with the bit
and pushes a low friction gage pad against the
borehole (anti-whirl bit). When drilling with an angle
build assembly or in an angled hole, a non-rotating
side load is applied to the bit. When drilling with a
steerable assembly in the rotate mode, the bit axis is
tilted relative to the profile of the bottom of the hole.
This axis tilt affects the bit cutting forces and may
consequently affect bit stability. This paper
investigates these non-axisymetric loads for their
effects on the stability characteristics of anti-whirl
designs as they compare with standard PDC bits.
A second hypothesis holds that standard PDC bits
occasionally whirl on directional bottomhole
assemblies, which leads to overgage holes and
ledging. The build rates, hole diameter, and ledging
characteristics of anti-whirl bits are compared to
standard PDC bits.
Comparisons were established in lab tests using
standard and anti-whirl PDC bits both in an
anisotropic formation (Green River shale) and in an
isotropic formation (Carthage limestone) with a non-
axisymetric loading.
Further, a comparison is made between two
directional wells drilled at a field research facility
using the same surface hole. One well was drilled
with a standard PDC bit; the other with an anti-whirl
PDC bit. The two wells are compared for surface
vibration level, rate of penetration, build rate, dull
condition of the bits, and hole diameter and ledging
from calipers of the wellbore.
The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect
words. Illustrationsmay not be copied. The abstractshouldcontain conspicuous ackmwledgmenl
Introduction
Suppression of the bit whirl phenomena has
dramatically changed the design and operation of
PDC drill One of the methods used to control
whirl involves designing the cutter locations to
generate a resultant imbalance force that is directed
toward a low friction gage ad.^*^ This design
technique stabilizes the bit against the hole wall.
In a recent study, three non-axisymetric load cases
that may affect stability were examined. When
drilling with directional assemblies, or in high angle
wells, an external side load is applied to the bit. In
anisotropic rock, the cutting forces change as the bit
rotates, thereby changing the imbalance force vector
of the bit with time. Lastly, when drilling with
steerable assemblies, the bit axis is tilted relative to
the direction of bit motion. This modifies the cutting
forces that are generated, thus modifying the
resultant imbalance force.
Since bit stability was uncertain in the above
situations, early field tests of anti-whirl designs were
restricted to straight, low-angle holes, drilled with
conventional rotary assemblies, In order to eliminate
these restrictions and understand the effects of
loading as previously described, lab and field
comparisons were undertaken on conventional and
anti-whirl PDC bits.
Lab tests were conducted in both anisotropic and
isotropic rocks with non-axisymetric loading. The
resulting loads and displacements were then
recorded. The test results yielded insight into the
effects of loads and displacements on the cutting
forces that are produced and their subsequent effect
 Directionallstability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits SPE 24614

on bit stability. The setup for these tests are similar

to the DEA 43 program for measuring bit walk and
are described in detail in Reference 6.

Afterwards, the drilling of t w o test wells on steerable

and angle build motor assemblies effectively
compared the response of conventional and anti-
whirl PDC bits and led t o the development of
practical field guidelines for anti-whirl bits.
Furthermore, the tests resulted in the removal of the
directional restrictions that were placed on the use of
anti-whirl bits. This work has also generated some
insight into the issue of hole spiraling on steerable
assemblies.
-SIDE
FORCE

Directional Lab Tests

Anisotropic Formation
Five full-scale pressure tests were run7 in anisotropic
samples of Green River shale. A load cell was placed
above the bit t o measure weight, torque and drill
string bending. The objective was t o compare the
stability and deviation response of conventional and
anti-whirl PDC bits. The sample bedding plane was
35O, from earlier tests this orientation was found to
cause large bit deviations. Fig. 1 shows the test set-
up. As shown, the load cell and stabilizer are
mounted so the bending in a load cell will be
proportional to the deviation.
Fig. 2 summarizes the results for the bits tested,
drawings of which are shown in Fig. 3a-3e. It was
FIGURE 1
Setup for Anisotropic and Non-axisymetric
Load Tests.
observed that the greatest effect on side cutting
action appears to be the gage pad design. The
baseline bit has exposed (broached) diamonds on the
gage pad surfaces. The forces generated by the
Green River shale caused this bit to have the highest
lateral displacement. Testing the same design, but
incorporating a smooth or flush set gage, resulted in
a bending moment that was 213 that of the baseline
bit.

Test Type: Anisotropic Non-Axisymetric Steerable System

Rock Type: Green River Shale Carthage Marble Catoosa Lithology
Mud Type: Water based 10.1 ppg water 10 ppg, water
Flow Rate: 350 GPM 350 GPM 450 GPM
Bore Hole Pressure: 2000 psi Atmospheric Mud Column
Rotary Speed: 120 RPM 120 RPM 250 RPM motor, 0-90 rotarl
Weight on Bit: 16,000 Ibs. 5,000 Ibs. 6,000-10.000 Ibs.
Side Load: Variable 1,000 Ibs. BHA Controlled
Bit Sizes: 8 112" and 8 314" 8 112" and 8 314" 8 112"

Bit IADC Comments Bending Amplitude Lateral Deflection Dog Leg Severity (01100 ft)
Bit Type (ft-lbs) (ft.lft.) loMotor 2OX2" Motor

A M333 STD-baseline with broached 2500 6.55 14.55

gage, medium parabolic profile

B M333 STD with flush set gage 1600 0.0050

C M332 Anti-whirl - short profile 1 100 0.01 00

D M332 Anti-whirl - deeper cone 1500 0.0083

E M332 Anti-whirl - medium parabolic profile 1800 0.0074 4.94 11.24

Theoretical Build Rates for 5.01 13.24

Wells 19B and 19C

FIGURE 2
Bending, Lateral D e f l k t i o n and Build Rates for Conventional and Anti-Whirl Bits
728
SPE 24614 P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M. Anderson & A. Sinor

Three anti-whirl bit designs were compared to these

first two bits. All three employed a flush set gage,
with additional design features t o make them whirl
resistant. The performance of the anti-whirl bits was
similar to that of the conventional flush set gage
design, with a few notable exceptions. The shortest
profile anti-whirl bit design (Fig. 3c) had the lowest
lateral displacement and the longer, medium
parabolic, profile had the highest displacement (Fig.
3e). This suggests short profiles are less affected by
anisotropic formations, but since anti-whirl designs
generally have shorter profiles than conventional bits,
their reaction to anisotropic formations should be
less pronounced.

Based on the data, the characteristics of the

anisotropic formation was shown t o be responsible
for a several thousand-pound side load at the start of
each test. As the test proceeds, the drill string
reaction force increases. A t steady state, these two
forces are equal and the lateral rate of displacement
is zero. Consequently, over the course of each test
the net side load acting on the bits varied from
2,000-3,000 Ibs t o near zero.

Whirl was detected in the bending signal and later

confirmed by observing the bottom hole pattern
created by the conventional baseline PDC design.
Though the bit whirled at one point, the whirling
subsided as the test proceeded. The potential for
whirl in these conditions was pointed out by Clegg in
reference 8. Despite the varying side load, the
remaining designs showed no signs of whirl.
Although this is not fully understood, one possible
explanation is that the external side load acts against
the bit imbalance for half of a revolution and acts
with the side load for half of a revolution. Any
incipient whirl is stopped within one half of a FIGURE 3
revolution. Profile and Face Views of Bits Used
in the Lab and Field Tests

In summary, these results suggest anti-whirl bits are

stable over a wide range of side load conditions.
Further, the conventional, broached gage PDC bit
had the largest displacement in reaction to the
anisotropic formation forces. Conversely, the short
profile anti-whirl design had the least lateral
displacement. Compared t o conventional PDC
designs, anti-whirl bits tend to drill more in the
direction of where they are pointed and are less
influenced by where they are pushed.
Non-axisymetric Loading
Non-axisymetric loading occurs when an external
side force, such as gravity or bottom hole assembly
(BHA) forces, are applied to the bit. This prompted a
second series of lab tests with a twofold objective:
to understand the effect of non-axisymetric loads on
the stability of an anti-whirl bit, and to understand
the lateral rate of displacement differences between
conventional and anti-whirl designs.
 DirectionalIStability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits SPE 24614

The test set-up is shown in Fig. 1. The bit was
spudded three to four inc.hes with no side load, a t
which point vertical and side loads were applied and
held constant while the bit drilled.
The lateral rates of displacement of the smooth gage
bits were all very low, as seen in Fig. 2. From other
unpublished data, the broached gage design lateral
displacement rate was an order of magnitude higher
or more.
Of the smooth gage bits, the short profile anti-whirl
had the highest lateral rate, while the conventional
and medium parabolic anti-whirl bits recorded the
lowest. The differences in profile, however, are
overshadowed by differences attributed to the gage
design.
Both wells were drilled from a common surface
location. Well 19B was drilled with an anti-whirl PDC
bit; well 19C was drilled with a conventional PDC
bit. The lithology of the area and previous straight
hole whirl tests at this test facility have been well
doc~rnented.~Data collection for the drilling
parameters was set t o record every 0.25 ft or once
per minute, whichever occured first. The first two
hard limestone intervals were drilled in sliding mode,
while the later intervals were drilled in rotary mode.
The anti-whirl bit is similar t o the medium parabolic
design used in the previously discussed lab tests
(Fig. 3e); the conventional design is similar to the
baseline bit used in the same tests (Fig. 3a). (The lab
tests were generally with 8 314 and the field tests
were with 8 112 size bits.)

Again, the conventional design whirled.through part

of the test, while the. other designs showed no
evidence of whirl. These tests were run at only one
load condition. More tests, using different side and
axial loads, are planned t o better understand stability
with non-axisymetric loading.

For the loads tested, the anti-whirl designs were

deemed stable and significantly less influenced by
side loads than was the baseline conventional PDC
bit. The smooth gage design of the anti-whirl bits is
credited for their minimal response t o side loads. This
factor should be considered when planning BHA's,
because a slick assembly with a noncutting bit gage
design could prove t o build, rather than drop, angle.

Controlled Directional Field Test

Test Set-Up
Two directional test .wells were kicked off and drilled
with steerable and directional assemblies (Fig. 41,
with the following objectives:

Confirm that anti-whirl bits can be used on

directional assemblies without losing the advantage
of stability inherent in the anti-whirl concept;
FIGURE 4
Steerable and Angle-Build Bottom Hole
Compare the bit damage between anti-whirl and
Assemblies used for Wells 19B and 19C.
conventional bits run on steerable systems;

Compare the directional characteristics of the bits;
and
Establish operating parameters for using anti-whirl
bits on steerable systems.
The wells were drilled using the same BHA and
steerable motor settings. Attempts to match the
operating parameters (weight on bit (WOB), flow
rate, and sliding and rotary mode) at the same
vertical depths were generally successful.
SPE 24614 P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M. Anderson & A. Sinor
During planning, particular attention was focused on
the high compressive strength limestone formations
that, based on earlier straight hole tests, were
considered destructive to PDC bits. The formations
included the Verdigris limestone at 391 f t TVD, the
Pink limestone at 61 1 ft TVD, an unnamed limestone
at 1070 ft TVD, and the Mississippi limestone that
runs from 1274 ft TVD to the end of the wells.
Operating Conditions
Dotted and heavy lines in the second column of Fig.
5 details when each well was drilled in sliding mode.
For most of the depth, the wells match - mismatches
were selected in low-whirl-risk areas to compensate
for differences in build rate. The flow rate for both
these wells was held constant at 450 gpm, tagging
bottom at half flow rate to slow the motor RPM and
minmize off bottom whirl. For the most part, the
WOB was set at 6,000 Ibs for both wells, but was
increased in the harder intervals to minimize the
vibration that was observed at the surface. The
surface-indicated WOB was also increased in the
lower intervals as string drag became more
significant. In the second well, much of the string
drag was eliminated by placing the drill collars in the
vertical section higher in the hole.
Rate of Penetration
The anti-whirl bit drilled 1407 ft in 17.06 hours for
an average rate of penetration (ROP) of 82.5 ftlhr.
Comparatively, the conventional bit drilled 1307 ftlhr
in 21 hours for an average ROP of 62.2 ftlhr. The
slower conventional ROP is believed to be due to less
efficient drilling due to bit vibration and the over
gage hole drilled.
To avoid bit damage when re-entering the harder
sections, the peak ROP was generally limited to 150
ftlhr. The ROP in the harder sections was maximized
in both wells by running the bits near the motor stall
torque.
As shown in the first column of Fig. 5, the ROP of
the conventional bit is quite erratic and normally
below the limited rate of 150 ftlhr. On the other
hand, the anti-whirl bit usually drilled at the 150 ftlhr
ceiling in all but the hard limestone sections. The
anti-whirl bit drilled the Mississippi limestone section
at a significantly higher rate than did the
conventional bit. In this interval, substantially more
weight was added to the anti-whirl bit, but this well
experienced string drag problems, which were
blamed on the low placement of the drill collars.
Since the ROP of both bits was maximized through
5
the Mississippi limestone, the comparison is valid.
Surface Torque Measurements
The Delta Torque traces shown in the third column
of Fig. 5 represent the differences between the
minimum and maximum torque for the data collection
interval. This indicates torsional vibration levels,
which, in turn, indicates whirl.
The anti-whirl bit ran very quiet for most of well
19B, with the only noticeable torsional vibration
levels occurring during the rotary speed test. This
will be discussed in more detail later.
For most of the intervals, the torque signal for the
conventional bit was significantly above the level
observed by the anti-whirl design. This would
indicate the conventional bit whirled a good portion
of the time it was drilling well 19C.
Bit Vibration Signals
To monitor drill string vibrations, an axial
accelerometer was mounted on the cross head of the
hydraulic rotary drive. Complementing the axial
rotary drive accelerometer is a surface vibration
sensor package attached to the drill string below the
rotary drive assembly. The vibrations are transmitted
from downhole, through the drill pipe and to these
sensors. This system measured axial, torsional and
radial accelerations, along with dynamic and static
load and torque.'' The sensor locations and the
software make the drill string system much more
sensitive to the downhole vibrations than the rotary
drive accelerometer. However, this second system
had not been used for the detection of whirl on this
rig before. The rotary sensor, by contrast, has been
used on all previous whirl tests with this rig.
The accelerometer traces in the fourth column of Fig.
5 represent the differences between the maximum
and minimum acceleration signals emitted from the
rotary drive. Again, the conventional PDC bit had a
high signal for most intervals, thereby suggesting
significant bit whirl.
A key interval was the Verdigris limestone at 391
TVD. There, the vibration energy of the anti-whirl bit
rose as the penetration rate dropped below 10 ftlhr,
but quickly abated as the weight on bit was
increased. Part of this increase in energy is due to
the formation change, a harder rock can impart more
energy to the drill string. By comparison, the
conventional bit goes off the scale, despite an
identical increase in WOB, a good indication of whirl.
 Directionallstability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits SPE 24614

o e * o & o & + ~ # o r~ r 9
(ftlhr) (000Ibs.)
8V2" Bit Diameter
FIGURE 5
ROP, Vibration and Caliper Logs of Wells 19B and 19C
(Anti-Whirl as Dark Line - Conventional as Light Line)
732
SPE 24614 P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M. Anderson & A. Sinor
AVERAGE DELTA DELTA
ROP WOE TORQUE ACCELERATION CALIPER

&
( f t l hr)
+? f o(000
e ) lbs? .8 0&4$?.$ + * (inches)
Q 4
FIGURE 5 (Continued)
733
 DirectionalIStability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits SPE 24614
AVERAGE DELTA DELTA
ROP WOB TORQUE ACCELERATION CALIPER

O &
( f t l hr)
.op B 6 O
(000 Ibs.)
8 0&#@ 0 2. b e Q
(inches)
Q

FIGURE 5 (Continued)
SPE 24614 P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M. Anderson & A. Sinor
Also noteworthy is the section from 500-600 ft
TVD, where both bits drilled at 150 ftlhr. Though
high penetration rates customarily reduce the
probability of bit whirl, in this section the
conventional bit accelerometer signal went off scale.
In this same interval, the torsional signal was also
high.

Below 630 ft TVD, the accelerometer signals settle

down to the background noise of the rig. This
corresponds to 20' of hole inclination. Caliper data
suggest the conventional bit continued to whirl, but
the damping effect of the hole wall on the drill string
vibrations made it difficult to detect at the surface.

The two time-based accelerometer plots shown in

Fig. 6 and 7 reflect the differences observed at the
surface between whirl and no whirl. The first
comparison (Fig. 6) is for the conventional and anti-
whirl bits drilling in the Verdigris limestone. (Note,
the measured depths are handwritten to the side of
each chart.) Here, vibration-induced whirl is evident
for the conventional bit. The comparison for Pink
limestone (Fig. 7) again signifies the conventional
PDC bit is whirling.
FIGURE 6
Torque and accelerometer signals suggest the anti- Time Based Plots of Anti-Whirl and Conventional
whirl bit never whirled in either rotary or sliding PDC Bits Drilling the Verdigris Limestone.
mode while drilling well 19B. The bit, however, did
whirl during a rotary test at the conclusion of the
well. By comparison, the conventional bit appeared
to have whirled during most of its run in well 19C,
including the rotary test at the end. Also significant
is the fact that well 19C experienced a MWD failure
that may be related to the severe vibration generated
by the standard bit.

Caliper Log
The caliper logs of these two wells are shown in the
last columns in Fig. 5. With the exception of areas of
sloughing shale, which are common to both wells,
the anti-whirl bit is close to gage for the entire hole.
The lower part of these wells could not be calipered,
because of the high angle and bridging.

For the conventional bit, the caliper shows hole

sections that are 112" to 1" over gage, excluding the I -

sloughing areas. The over-gage sections correspond . #

with high vibration levels, which usually confirm bit V

7-
whirl. The over-gage hole can be detrimental in
predicting well paths. Moreover, rapid changes in
I . . .- ......
--
diameter can cause the string to sticklslip while
drilling and hang up when exiting the hole. ANT CONVENTIONAL
FIGURE 7
Video logs were taken on both wells to better define Time Based Plots of Anti-Whirl and Conventional
the bore hole wall geometry, but the sloughing PDC Bits Drilling the Pink Limestone.
10 DirectionalIStability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits
shales clouded the borehole, effectively obscuring
most features of interest.
Hole spiralling
The caliper log of the conventional bit shows a
distinct sinusoidal pattern between 550-590 ft TVD
while in the sliding mode. This also appears in rotary
mode at 780-870 ft and at 1080-1130 ft TVD. Close
inspection of the caliper log strongly indicates the
wellbore spiralled in these intervals, which were the
points where bit whirl was detected. The anti-whirl
bit did not exhibit this pattern, nor did it show
evidence of whirl. Subsequent analysis of the
surface vibration measurements indicate an
amplitude modulation of the torsional signal with a
wavelength of approximately 3.7 and 7.2 ft." This
corresponds to the distance between the bit and
motor stabilizer and between the bit and motor bent
housing.
Although difficult to confirm, this data indicates that
hole spiraling can occur in both rotary and sliding
modes and is closely related to bit whirl.
Rotary Speed Test
A rotary speed test with the steerable system was
performed at the end of both wells to determine if
pipe speed had an effect on bit stability. The motor
speed was held constant at 250 rpm, while the drill
pipe speed varied from 20-90 rpm.
The anti-whirl bit ran smoothly up to a surface speed
of 60-70 rpm, but began to show significant
vibration levels above this. The conventional bit also
appeared to be running smoothly at the lower
speeds, but began whirling as the speed increased.
This tendency was confirmed by an evaluation of the
dull bit. This strongly suggests that rotary speed
should be kept low on steerable systems to avoid
whirl.
Bit Damage
Both bits were pulled after drilling each hard
limestone section and inspected for damage. The
most surprising observation was the small amount of
damage on the conventional bit, considering it had
whirled through much of the well. Previously,
conventional PDC bits run on rotary through the
same intervals had exhibited severe damage if they
whirled. While several theories have emerged to
explain the minimal damage, it will require additional
tests to truly understand the phenomena. Learning
why damage was so greatly reduced could open the
door for significantly reducing the destructive effects
of whirling.
SPE 24614
Before the rotary test, eight of the flank and gage
cutters on the conventional bit were either chipped
or damaged, while the other cutters remained sharp.
Further, the gage pads remained in gage; although,
the leading edge was beginning to round over. A few
of the broach diamonds near the face of the bit were
fractured or missing, which is one of the early signs
of whirl. The dull analysis corroborates that the bit
had whirled through much of this well.
The gage pad at the pin end showed severe wear
caused by the bit being pulled back and through a
ledge. Borehole ledging is most likely another result
of whirl.''
After the rotary speed test, most of the cutters on
the conventional bit showed slight chipping at the
edge, with the worst damage observed on the flank
and gage cutters. All of the ground gage trimmers
were spalled or chipped. It was determined that the
high drill pipe speeds had been especially damaging.
Conversely, the anti-whirl bit exhibited only minor
cutter wear prior to the rotary test. Only five of the
flank cutters were slightly chipped, but most of them
retained their original diamond edge. The carbide
backing was not yet in contact with the formation.
The dull analysis confirmed the anti-whirl bit had
remained stable for most of the well.
After the rotary speed test, which was conducted in
less than 50 ft, most of the flank cutters were
chipped and spalled. This would have merited a dull
grading of 218 to 318 worn and reveals the rapid
destructive effects of bit whirl in a harder formation
(20,000 - 60,000 psi triaxial compressive strengths).
The bit remained in gage at the conclusion of the
run, though there was minor wear on the low-friction
gage pads.
Directional Control
In order to compare the build up rates, both wells
drilled planned intervals with similar directional motor
assemblies. These consisted of a sidetrack assembly,
a steerable angle build assembly and a 'fixed angle
build assembly, examples of which are shown in Fig.
4.
Both wells were sidetracked with an 8 314" IADC
517 type bit. The bit was run on a 6 314" low-speed,
high-torque motor with a 2.3' bent housing that was
configured with 8 114" top and bottom stabilizers.
Measurement while drilling (MWD) equipment was
run throughout both wells. Once they were
sidetracked, 8 112" PDC bits were run with the same
SPE 24614 P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M. Anderson & A. Sinor

corifiguration, with a 1.OO bent housing. Commonly Surveys and Orientations.of Well 19B
called a steerable motor, the tower bent housing
setting allowed for drilling in the rotary or sliding
mode. Also run on both wells was a 6 314" angle
build motor, which was configured with a 2.0' bent
housing and a 2.0' bent sub. The top and bottom
stabilizers were again 8 114" in diameter.
571 u . 7 53.0 568.~1 4.a4
These BHA's were chosen based on a three-point 600
631
15.1 55.5
16.2 $6.1
596.40
626.25
195-720 High
Side
5.28
4-21
geometry model. This BHA model indicated a l.OO 662
691
17.7 61.3
18.8 61.5
655.91
683.45
5.70
3.80
bent housing shouid theoretically build 5.01 "/I 0 ft. 722
752
19.8 62.1
19.7 61.5
712.70
740.94
3-29
0.75
Conversely, the same motor with a 2.0 bent 782
802
20.1 59.6
20.456.2
769.15
787.91
762-850 85,
raft
2.53
6.07
housing and a 2.0' bent sub should theoretically 840
870
21.0 50.1
20.9 48.5
823.46
851.4s
5.89
1-94
build 13.24/100 ft. 900 22.8 49.0 879.32 DOUbh 887--70 0-lS' 6.36

Fig. 8 ilIustrates the directional paths of both wells,

Fig. 9 contains all surveys, tool face orientation, and
.
dog leg severity information A strong right hand
walk tendency was observed on both wells, but was
more prevalent on Well 19C. Both wells drilled
similar paths, but a change in azimuth on Welt 19C
reduced the risk of intersecting Well 19B.

Theoretical vs actual build up rates are listed in Fig.

2. As shown, Well 19B, which was drilled with an
anti-whirl bit, produced build up rates close to the
calculated thewetieat,. Actual build up rates with the

XD PIE urm, Ycrma

UI*D(Sl -
Surveys and Orientations of Well 19C
onnrrosu&
n c H
Dm

FIGURE 8
Directional and Dog Leg Severity Plots of FIGURE 9
Wells 19B and 19C. information for Wells 198 and 19C.
12 Directional/Stability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits
anti-whirl bit averaged 4.94/100 ft with the
steerable assembly, while building angle to 20' and
at that point making an 88O left orientation. Build up
rates for the conventional bit qn run Well 19C were
much higher than both theoretical and Well 19B.
While drilling a similar well plan i n Well 19C. build up
rates with the same assembly averaged 6.55i0/1 00 ft
- a 25% increase over the anti-whirl build up rate.
Some of the increase in build up rate is attributed to
a longer left hand turn on 19C, but greater build up
rates were observed in the high angle build interval
as well.
Build up rate reductions in the high angle build
interval were observed with the anti-whirl bit. The
average build-up rate seen with the anti-whirl bit 4n
Well 196 was 11.24/1 00 ft. Two different bit
designs were run in the high angle build section of
Well 19C. A conventional PDC with a broached
diamond gage was run in the upper interval and a
conventional shallow cone profile PDC bit with a
smooth gage was run in the lower interval. Build
rates dropped from an average of 14.5!j0/l 00 ft with
the broached diamond gage bit t o 11.91 00 ft
with the smooth gage bit. The anti-whirl and smooth
gage conventional bit achieved build up rates of 77
and 81% respectively of .the conventional broached
gage bit.
The. lower build up rate with anti-whirl bits are
attributed to-thesmooth gage pad design and do not
appear to be affected .by other anti-whirl design
features.
Hole Ledging - ..
Drill string drag required more weight on bit in the
lower sections of both wells. String drag was evident
on Well 19B because of the lower placement of the
drill collars and the running of aluminum pipe. When
a trip was made t o observe the condition of the anti-
whirl bit, 30 join* of 4%" steel drill pipe were run
-
below the drill collars. By inverting the drill string a
-
common practice with horizontal, BHA's the string
drag was substantially reduced. This was repeated
on Well 19C.
As discussed previously, inspection of the caliper log
. - in Well 19C strongly indicates hole spiralling
occurred when the conventional bit appeared to be
whirling the worst. This persistent condition
increased drag as the well progressed, even with the
inverted drill string.
SPE 24614
Ledges supporting the drill string caused increased
drag at a measured depth of 1,690 ft (1,360 ft
TVD). The drill string was reciprocated to evaluate
the condition of the well bore. It was found to have
-
10,000 40,000 Ibs of up drag and 5,000 10,000 -
Ibs down drag. As noted in the dull evaluation of the
conventional bit, the pin end of the gage .pads
showed severe wear due t o [edging.
This condition caused ,many stick slip conditions to
occur, which reduced penetration rates while sliding
through this interval. Weight on bit variations can
also be clearly seen while drilling this interval. Even
though the conventional bit drilled a larger hole, drill
string drag was more evident on this well when both
wells were using the inverted BHA.
Field Summary
The tests confirmed the feasibility of running anti-
whirl bits on steerable systems and the potential
benefits insofar as directional control, hole spiraling
and bit damage is concerned. Reasonable operating
practices for steerable systems have been
determined, leading t o increased confidence in their
ability to prevent whirl, These controlled field tests
are very valuable because this type of operational
parameter study usually is not possible in commercial
applications. Finally, the comparison of build rates
between the conventional and anti-whirl bits has
provided guidance for well and BHA planning when
using anti-whirl bits in directional wells.
Recommended Drillina Practices
Based on these tests, the following guidelines have
been developed for running anti-wti~rl bits on
directional assemblies:
use high-torquehow-speed motors. Since harder
formations can be drilled with anti-whirl bits, a high-
torque motor will permit the use of the higher bit
weights required t o maintain bit stability.
* * Touch bottom with half the normal drilling flow
rate, then simultaneously bring up the weight and
pump speed. This should reduce the possibility of
off-bottom whirl continuing once drilling resumes.
(This may have t o be modified when drilling balling
type formations).
When in rotary mode, keep the drill pipe speed
slow (20-40 rpml. Higher speeds tend to lead to
instability.
SPE 24614
P. Pastusek, C. Cooley, M Anderson & A. Sinor
Adjust the well plan and BHA for the differences in
build rate. This will depend on the previous bit type
and whether or not it drilled an over gage hole
(whirled).
Conclusions
Since not all anti-whirl bits incorporate the same
design rules, the results of this study may not apply
to other concepts. The following conclusions apply
only to the designs evaluated in the aforementioned
lab and field tests.
Lab tests have been developed that show a
significant difference in the directional behavior of
conventional and anti-whirl PDC bits. Further, well-
controlled field tests can be used to qualify and
quantify these directional differences.
Anti-whirl bit designs evaluated for stability in this
series of tests are less sensitive to anisotropic
formations and external side loads than conventional
bits.
The axis tilt encountered in drilling with steerable
systems in both rotary and sliding mode does not
affect stability of the anti-whirl designs tested.
The reduced side cutting ability of anti-whirl bits is
primarily affected by the smooth gage pads
employed in these designs. Furthermore, bit profile
Acknowledaements
The authors thank the management of Hughes
Christensen Company and Amoco Production
Company for permission to publish this paper.
Appreciation is also extended to the more than 40
individuals deeply involved in these tests. They
References
1. Brett, J.F., Warren, T.M., and Behr, S.M.,:
"Bit Whirl: A New Theory of PDC Bit Failure", SPE
Drilling Engineering (Dec 1990) 275-281
2. Warren, T.M., Brett, J.F., and Sinor, L.A.,:
"Development of a Whirl Resistant Bit", SPE Drilling
Engineering (Dec 1990) 267-274
3. Nicholson, J.W., Vandiver, and J.K., Shyu,
R.J.,: "Case Studies of the Bending Vibration and
Whirling Motion of Drill Collars", SPE Drilling
Engineering (Dec 1990) 282-290
.
13
appears to have a significant, albeit secondary,
effect on their side cutting ability.
The build rate of anti-whirl bits on steerable
systems is lower than it is with conventional PDC
designs. This is attributed to the smooth gage pad
design of the anti-whirl bit.
Anti-whirl bits, as shown, tend to deviate less in
anisotropic formations than do broached gage bits.
The non-active gage on anti-whirl bits should be
considered when selecting BHA's on rotary.
Hole spiraling with steerable systems appears to be
related to bit whirl, with the wave length controlled
by the distances between the bit, stabilizer and
motor bend. Using anti-whirl bits should reduce, or
even eliminate, hole spiraling, which modulates the
vibration signals received at the surface. These
signals can be used to monitor spiraling.
Operating parameters are important in avoiding bit
whirl on steerable systems, particularly string rpm in
rotary mode.
Through some yet unknown mechanism, whirl-
induced damage to PDC bits is reduced on steerable
systems.
represent the following companies: Amoco
Production Company, Develco, Eastman Teleco,
Exlog MWD, Exlog-Adams, Hanson and Associates
and Hughes Christensen Company.
4. Brett et al., "Method of Making Imbalanced
Drill Bit", US Patent 5,010,789, Issued: April 30,
1991
5. Brett et al., "Imbalance Compensated Drill
Bit", US Patent 5,042,596, Issued: August 27, 1991
6. DEA 43 Phase IV , "Proposal to Study Effects
of BitIRock Interaction on Bit Walk and Hole
Deviation", Prepared by: TerraTek's, Drilling
Research Laboratory for presentation to DEA, Feb
18, 1992
14 . Directionallstability Characteristics of Anti-Whirl Bits
7. Black A.D. and Green, S.J., "Laboratory
Simulation of Deep Well Drilling", Petroleum Engineer
International, (March 1978) 40-48
8. Clegg, J.M., "An Analysis of the Field
Performance of Antiwhirl PDC Bits", paper
SPEIIADC 23868 Presented at the 1992 SPEIIADC
Drilling Conference, New Orleans, LA', Feb 18-21
9. Sinor, L.A., Brett, J. F., Warren, T. M ., "Field
Testing of Low-Friction Gauge PDC Bits", paper SPE
2041 6 Presented at 1990 SPE Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, LA, September 23-26
10. Besaisow, A.A., Jan, Y.M., and Schuh, F.J.,
SPE 24614
"Detection of Various Drilling Phenomena Utilizing
High Frequency Surface Measurementsw, paper SPE
14327, 80th Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 22-25,
1985
1 1. Macpherson, J.,Nagelhout, T., "Report on
Surface Detection of Bit Whirl Using the Adams Sub,
Amoco Catoosa Wells 19B and 19CW,internal report,
May 20, 1992
12. Cooley, . C.H., Pastusek, P.E., Sinor, L.A.,
"The Design and Testing of Anti-whirl Bits", paper
SPE 24586 to be presented at the 1992 SPE Annual
Technical Conference, Washington DC, October 4-7.