Varel International announced that it has expanded its of0fering of enhanced diamond protection for customers drilling with the company’s roller cone products.


“Due to higher drill rig costs and increased extended reach applications more diamonds are being used to improve roller cone bit life,” said Dewayne Fuller, Roller Cone Product Manager, Varel International. “At Varel, we have the ability to customize the bit to the specific application, e.g., build sections in directional drilling and horizontal applications where maximum abrasive resistance is required. The objective is to keep the cutting structure sharper for better ROP and maintain gage for longer on-bottom time.”



What is Diamond Protection?


Diamond protection is when, during the manufacturing process of the bit, polycrystalline diamond capped inserts are inserted along the gage, back row and/or the leading edge of the shirttails to provide added protection to the bit in abrasive formations. Diamond protection is recommended on motor, directional and rotary steerable applications, particularly those drilling through abrasive formations such as sandstone, siltstone, granite and limestone.



Varel offers several diamond protection options:



  • Enhanced Back Row Protection – increases gage holding in abrasive applications – available in varying percentages

  • Enhanced Gage Row Protection – maximizes 100% of gage rows provides longer gage hold in abrasive and directional applications

  • Enhanced Shirttail Protection – provides maximum wear resistance in the most extreme drilling environments


Enhanced diamond protection packages are available on Varel’s Challenger™ tungsten carbide insert (TCI) bits and steel tooth bits.


“As an added value to customers, Varel can retrofit most of our existing roller cone inventory with backrow and shirttail diamond protection,” said Fuller “This ability provides quick response to customers needing diamond enhanced options.”



Enhanced Diamond Protection Brochure


Varel has created a flyer for commercial use that demonstrates and explains the company’s diamond protection package. The brochure is available in Varel’s exhibit, stand 25, at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference this week in Amsterdam and on Varel’s Web site at www.varelintl.com.

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