High-Efficiency Vector-Accurate PDC Bit Optimizes Directional Control

The Hughes Christensen PDC bit is built for longer life using superior hardfacing material and application-specific polished cutters for increased durability to improve performance in challenging environments. Pictured is the Talon 3D 6 3/4-in. QD3065.

Well balanced bit

Baker Hughes engineered the Talon 3D drill bit for superior hydraulic efficiency, allowing operators to meet performance needs in low-hydraulic horsepower per square inch (HSI) situations. The bit balances the ratio-to-axial and radial forces the bottomhole assembly (BHA) imposes on it when drilling, and enhanced control improves steerability and buildup rate aggressiveness. This is especially important where peak performance is demanded in extended-reach laterals. When paired with an optimized, conventional drilling system, an operator can get through the lateral and into the pay zone in less time.

The bit includes optimally designed junk slots to aid large-volume evacuation of cuttings material. Efficiently shaped and positioned blades, nozzles, and cutters increase capacity and flow of cuttings and resist pack-off incidents to keep operators drilling at the desired ROP. Its patented polished cutters reduce balling to further maximize the evacuation efforts and also eliminate buildup on the cutting face, aiding cuttings transport and improving overall drilling efficiency.

By combining features such as an application-specific cutting structure, optimized one-piece steel body, large volume junk slots and superior hardfacing, the Talon 3D drill bit is able to increase an operator’s ROP in situations once considered “off limits” – drilling farther, faster, and with more control.

The bit’s optimized junk slot volume and geometry provide hydraulic efficiency in low HSI applications. Bit balling is reduced by the bit’s propriety polished cutters and cuttings evacuation is maximized. The application-specific cutter technology can be tailored to the parameters of the formation and operation, which can also help to improve cutting efficiency and evacuation.

The Talon 3D’s performance is compared to a competitor offset. The ROP for this section is currently unsurpassed in the Samotlorskoe field in Western Siberia, Russia. (Images courtesy of Baker Hughes Inc.)

One fast run

In one application, the Talon 3D bit drilled an entire section in one fast run in the Samotlorskoe oil field in Western Siberia, Russia. Drilling in a low-HSI environment through interbedded sands and shales, the operator was challenged with an inability to achieve the necessary high buildup rate in one run.

The bit was used on a positive displacement motor BHA and effectively drilled the section with a top ROP of 66.3 m/hr (217.5 ft/hr). Its increased junk slot area improved cleaning, reduced bit balling, and completed the well profile, achieving a buildup rate of 2.5°/10 m (2.5°/32.8 ft).

Hughes Christensen’s patented polished cutters provided superior cutting efficiency and minimized cutter and bit balling. TRACBlock technology was deployed on the Western Siberia project. This technology uses a proprietary depth-of-cut-control method to manage unwanted torque spikes when drilling interbedded and soft formations. The section was drilled in one run with a section drilling time of 19.9 hours. The ROP for this section is currently unsurpassed in Samotlorskoe field.

The Talon 3D bit profile design and cutting structures provide mechanical efficiency, durability, and directional control. The bit also displays enhanced durability and reliability because of its hardfacing, which reduces bit erosion in a variety of environments. In addition, the short bit-to-bend dimension improves steerability on conventional directional equipment and increases buildup rate aggressiveness.