Innovative PDC Cutter Technology Leads to Step Out Performance Improvements in Diverse Applications in Shale Plays

Abstract

Abstract Since the commercial introduction of the PDC cutter in 1976 the cutter technology and impact on the drill bit market has changed dramatically. There have been many milestones along the way as other vendors entered the market and as the bit companies continued improving bit designs and applications understanding. (1) This service company pioneered application specific and position specific cutter technology features in the 1990s. PDC cutters were also substantially improved with the introduction of a patented layered diamond table technology and polished surface finish. (2,3,4,5,6) In the last decade detailed analysis and understanding of cutter behavior and failure mechanisms, drilling mechanics, bit stability, new drive systems, focused design and application review teams (DART) and innovative manufacturing processes have lead to a steep increase in the conversion of traditional roller cone hard rock markets to PDC bits. From approximately 25% of the market in 2000, the PDC bits now occupy approximately 70%. This paper will highlight the latest improvements in PDC performance including supporting case studies throughout North America.