DRILLING PRACTICES

Bits and Holemaking

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 IADC Bit Classification

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 IADC Classification – Roller Cone
517G
Features
Cutting Structure Series Cutting Structure Bearing/Gauge Available
Soft Formations w ith
Low Compressive
Type (1 to 4) Description (Optional)
Strength and High 1 1 refers to the softest
Standard A - Air Application
Drillability
formation in a
Roller
Bearing
1 B - Special Bearing Seal
STEEL Medium to Medium C - Center Jet
Roller
TOOTH Hard Formations w ith particular Series and D - Deviation Control
BITS High Compressive 2 4 refers to the
Bearing Air
Cooled
2 E - Extended Nozzles
Strength
hardest formation Roller G - Gauge/Body
Hard Semi-Abrasive Bearing
within the Series 3 Protection
and Abrasive
Formations
3 Gauge
H - Horizontal Steering
Protected
Soft Formations w ith Sealed Appl.
Low Compressive
Strength and High 4
Roller
Bearing
4 J - Jet Deflection
L - Lug Pads
Drillability Sealed
M - Motor Application
Soft to Medium Roller Brg -
8-1/2” EHP 51 5 S - Standard Steel Tooth
Formations w ith Low 5 Gauge
Protected T - Two Cone Bit
Compressive Strength
INSERT Sealed W - Enhanced Cutting
Medium Hard
BITS
Formations w ith High 6 Friction
Bearing
6 Structure
Compressive Strength X - Predominantly Chisel
Sealed
Hard Semi-Abrasive Tooth Insert
Frction Brg
and Abrasive 7 Gauge 7 Y - Conical Tooth Insert
Formations
Protected Z - Other Shape Insert
Extremely Hard and
Abrasive Formations 8
Bits and Holemaking
IPM Ref: SPE 23937 The IADC Roller Bit Classification System
 IADC Classification – Fixed Cutter
M432
Body Material Steel or Matrix.
Cutter Density PDC: 1 to 4, diamond bits: 6 to 8
(the lower the number, the lighter set the bit).
Cutter Size/Type For PDC cutter, 1 indicates >24 mm, 2
12-1/4” DS66H is between 14 and 24 mm, 3 is between 8 and 14 mm
and 4 is smaller than 8. For diamond bits, 1 represents
natural diamond, 2 is for TSP, 3 is a combination of
natural diamond and TSP and 4 is for impregnated.
Profile The final digit indicates the general body style
and varies from 1 (flat profile) to 4 (long flanked
turbine style).
Fixed cutter IADC codes are intended only to provide a means for characterizing the general
physical appearance of fixed cutter drill bits. Unlike the IADC classification for roller bits, these
codes do not represent an application guideline.
Ref: SPE 23940 Development of a New IADC Fixed Cutter Drill Bit Classification System
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Codes
Tooth

Soft 1-1
1

2
1-3
3

2-1
Hard
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Codes
Tooth
Soft 4-1
1

Insert
2 4
3 5

7
8-3
Hard
8
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Codes
Tooth PDC
Soft

Insert
2 4
3 5

7
Hard
8
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Codes
Tooth PDC

Soft
1

Insert
2 4
3 5

6
Diamond
7
Hard
8
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Codes
Tooth PDC
Soft

Insert
2 4
Impregnated
3 5 Diamond

6
Diamond
7
Hard
8
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
The International Association of Drilling Contractors has
developed a standard methodology for describing used
bits. This information is essential for detailed bit
performance analysis.

The methodology is composed of an 8 character code

that describes bit wear and the reason why the bit was
pulled.
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

The cutting structure is graded from 0 to 8 depending on the proportion of

cutting structure lost (0 = Intact, 8 = 100% worn).
Fixed Cutter Bits Roller Cone Bits

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Inner Cutting
Structure (All Inner Cone 1
Rows)

Outer Cutting
Structure (Gauge
Row Only)
Cone 2
Cone 3
Bits and Holemaking
IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

Fixed Cutter Bits Roller Cone Bits

BF - Bond Failure *BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BT - Broken Cutters BF - Bond Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BU - Balled Up BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
CT - Chipped Cutters BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
ER - Erosion *CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
HC - Heat Checking *CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
JD - Junk Damage CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
LN - Lost Nozzle CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
LT - Lost Cutter CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
NR - Not Rerunable ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
PN - Plugged Nozzle FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
RG - Rounded Gauge HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
RO - Ring Out JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
RR - Rerunable *LC - Lost Cone
SS - Self Sharpening Wear * Show Cone under Location 4
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit Note that this is for the Primary dull characteristics.
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics
Bits and Holemaking
IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 Fixed Cutter – Main Wear Characteristics
POST OR STUD
CUTTERS

NO WEAR WORN BROKEN LOST BOND EROSION

(NO) CUTTER CUTTER CUTTER FAILURE (ER)
(WT) (BT) (LT) (BF)

CYLINDER
CUTTERS NO WEAR WORN BROKEN LOST BOND
(NO) CUTTER CUTTER CUTTER FAILURE
(WT) (BT) (LT) (BF)

Courtesy of
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Fixed Cutter Bits
BF - Bond Failure
BT - Broken Cutters
BU - Balled Up
CT - Chipped Cutters
ER - Erosion
HC - Heat Checking
JD - Junk Damage
LN - Lost Nozzle
LT - Lost Cutter
NR - Not Rerunable
PN - Plugged Nozzle
RG - Rounded Gauge
RO - Ring Out
RR - Rerunable
SS - Self Sharpening Wear
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics
BU - Balled Up
Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone BT – Broken Teeth
* Show Cone under Location 4
(primary)
CD – Cone Dragged
Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition
(secondary)
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Fixed Cutter Bits
BF - Bond Failure
BT - Broken Cutters
BU - Balled Up
CT - Chipped Cutters
ER - Erosion
HC - Heat Checking
JD - Junk Damage
LN - Lost Nozzle
LT - Lost Cutter
NR - Not Rerunable
PN - Plugged Nozzle
RG - Rounded Gauge
RO - Ring Out
RR - Rerunable
SS - Self Sharpening Wear
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics
CT – Chipped Cutter
Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Fixed Cutter Bits
BF - Bond Failure
BT - Broken Cutters
BU - Balled Up
CT - Chipped Cutters
ER - Erosion
HC - Heat Checking
JD - Junk Damage
LN - Lost Nozzle
LT - Lost Cutter
NR - Not Rerunable
PN - Plugged Nozzle
RG - Rounded Gauge
RO - Ring Out
RR - Rerunable
SS - Self Sharpening Wear
TR - Tracking LT – Lost Cutter
WO - Washed Out Bit
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics

Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone
* Show Cone under Location 4
BT – Broken Teeth/Cutters

Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Fixed Cutter Bits
BF - Bond Failure
BT - Broken Cutters
BU - Balled Up
CT - Chipped Cutters
ER - Erosion
HC - Heat Checking
JD - Junk Damage
LN - Lost Nozzle
LT - Lost Cutter La
NR - Not Rerunable
PN - Plugged Nozzle
RG - Rounded Gauge
RO - Ring Out
RR - Rerunable
SS - Self Sharpening Wear
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit
WT - Worn Cutters RO – Ring Out
NO - No Dull Characteristics

Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone
* Show Cone under Location 4
JD – Junk Damage

Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Fixed Cutter Bits
BF - Bond Failure
BT - Broken Cutters
BU - Balled Up
CT - Chipped Cutters
ER - Erosion
HC - Heat Checking
JD - Junk Damage
LN - Lost Nozzle
LT - Lost Cutter
NR - Not Rerunable
PN - Plugged Nozzle
RG - Rounded Gauge
RO - Ring Out
RR - Rerunable
SS - Self Sharpening Wear
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit WT – Worn Cutters
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics

Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone
* Show Cone under Location 4
SD - Shirttail Damage

Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone
* Show Cone under Location 4

TR - Tracking

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone SS – Self Sharpening Wear
* Show Cone under Location 4

Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Dull Characteristics – Some Examples
Roller Cone Bits
*BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
*CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
*CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
*LC - Lost Cone ER – Erosion
* Show Cone under Location 4

Ref : IADC Drilling Manual – Eleventh Edition

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

Fixed Cutter Bits Roller Cone Bits

N - Nose Row
M - Middle Row
Cone 1, 2 or 3
G - Gauge Row
A - All Rows

C - Cone
N - Nose
T - Taper
S - Shoulder
G - Gauge
Bits and Holemaking
IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

Fixed Cutter Bits Roller Cone Bits

This box is for roller cone Non Sealed Bearings
bits. Fixed cutter bits will A linear scale estimating
always be designated by "X". bearing life used. (0 -No life
used, 8 - All life used, i.e., no
bearing life remaining.)

Sealed Bearings
E - Seals Effective
F - Seals Failed
N - Not Able to Grade

Bits and Holemaking

IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

For all Bits

The letter “I” is used to designate bits that are in gauge.

If the bit is under gauge, the amount is recorded to the nearest 1/16” of
an inch. For example, if the bit is 1/8” under gauge, this is reported as
2/16 or often only as 2.

Bits and Holemaking

IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

This is for the Secondary dull char. and it uses the same codes as for the Primary dull char.
Fixed Cutter Bits Roller Cone Bits
BF - Bond Failure *BC - Broken Cone LN - Lost Nozzle
BT - Broken Cutters BF - Bone Failure LT - Lost Teeth/Cutters
BU - Balled Up BT - Broken Teeth/Cutters OC - Off-Center Wear
CT - Chipped Cutters BU - Balled Up Bit PB - Pinched Bit
ER - Erosion *CC - Cracked Cone PN - Plugged Nozzle/Flow Passage
HC - Heat Checking *CD - Cone Dragged RG - Rounded Gauge
JD - Junk Damage CI - Cone Interference RO - Ring Out
LN - Lost Nozzle CR - Cored SD - Shirttail Damage
LT - Lost Cutter CT - Chipped Teeth/Cutters SS - Self Sharpening Wear
NR - Not Rerunable ER - Erosion TR - Tracking
PN - Plugged Nozzle FC - Flat Crested Wear WO - Washed Out Bit
RG - Rounded Gauge HC - Heat Checking WT - Worn Teeth/Cutters
RO - Ring Out JD - Junk Damage NO - No Dull Characteristic
RR - Rerunable *LC - Lost Cone
SS - Self Sharpening Wear * Show Cone under Location 4
TR - Tracking
WO - Washed Out Bit
WT - Worn Cutters
NO - No Dull Characteristics Bits and Holemaking
IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 IADC Bit Dull Grading Code
Cutting Structure B G Remarks
INNER OUTER DULL LOCA- BRNG/ GAUGE OTHER REASON
ROWS ROWS CHAR TION SEALS 1/16” CHAR PULLED

For All Bits

BHA - Change Bottom Hole Assembly HP - Hole Problems
DMF - Down hole Motor Failure HR - Hours
DSF - Drill String Failure PP - Pump Pressure
DST - Drill Stem Test PR - Penetration Rate
DTF - Down hole Tool Failure TD - Total Depth/Casing Point
RIG - Rig Repair TQ - Torque
CM - Condition Mud TW - Twist Off
CP - Core Point WC - Weather Conditions
DP - Drill Plug WO - Washout -DrillString
FM - Formation Change

Bits and Holemaking

IPM Ref : Reed Hycalog PDC & Roller Cone Product Technology Reference Information
 Key to Dull Bit Grading: Grade a Lot of Dulls !

Photo courtesy of
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 BIT RECORD
To be filled up at wellsite

Well :
BIT RECORD
Date :

Bit Data Run Data Bit life Grading

BHA Bit Size Bit type Serial IADC Nozzles Depth Depth Drilling ROP Bit krevs WOB Rot Flow Press Inc Mud Total Total Total Dull
No. No. (inch) & maker Number Code (1/32") IN (m)OUT (m) Time (m/hr)(drilling) (Klbs) (RPM) (GPM) (psi) (deg) SG mtr hrs krevs I O D L B G O R
3 x 18, 1
1 1 16 T11C L15264 115 15 420 18.04 22.45 151.50 10-25 120 820 1450 0 1.07 405 18.04 152 0 1 WT A E I NO TD
x 16
2 2RR 12 1/4 DSX113 204556 PDC 8 x 13 420 422 0.50 4.00 1.22 2-10 60 680 1000 0.00 1.15 2 0.50 1 0 1 WT S X I CT BHA
4 2RR2 12 1/4 DSX113 204556 PDC 8 x 13 1408 1714 16.54 18.50 119.09 25-35 120 820 1900 1.00 1.19 308 17.04 120 1 3 WT A X I PN TD

•BHA nb does not always = bit nb

•Drilling time = bit time on bottom (← Mud loggers)
•Krevs = 1000 bit revolution (← Mud loggers)

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Parameters vs Bit Performance

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Problem Identification

Flow Rate Wash out Erosion

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE AT BIT

WOB Worn Cutters Depth of Cut

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Problem Identification

Flow Rate Wash out Nozzles

Air in Mud CIRCULATING PRESSURE Mud Properties

(standpipe pressure with bit off bottom)

Mud Weight Pumps Restriction

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Problem Identification

Hole Cleaning Wash out WOB

Bit Related RPM

Junk TORQUE Mud Properties

Reaming Dry Drilling

Mud Weight Formation Hole Angle

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Problem Identification

Hydraulics Wash out RPM/WOB

Junk RATE OF PENETRATION Bit Related

Overbalance Formation Hole Angle

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Drilling Problem Identification
ROLLER CONE BITS

Condition of Dull Bit Possible Causes Possible Remedies

Excessive bearing wear Excessive rotary speed Slower rotary speed
Excessive rotating time Reduced rotating hours
Excessive WOB Lighter WOB
Excessive sand in circulating system Removal of sand from circulating fluid
Un-stabilised drill collars Stabilise drill collars
Improper bit type Use harder formation bit type with
stronger bearing structure
Excessive broken teeth Improper bit type Use harder formation bit type having
more teeth
Improper break-in procedure used Proper break-in procedure used for new
for new bit bit
Excessive WOB for type used Lighter WOB
Unbalanced tooth wear Improper bit type Use of different bit type based upon the
rows of teeth which are excessively
worn on the dull bit
Improper break-in procedure used Proper break-in procedure used for new
for new bit bit
Excessive tooth wear Excessive rotary speed Slower rotary speed
Improper bit type Use of harder formation bit type having
a greater number of teeth
Use of non hardfaced type Use of bit type having hardfaced teeth
Fluid cut teeth & cone Excessive circulation rate of fluid Reduction in circulation fluid rate
Removal of sand from circulation fluid
Excessive sand in circulating system
Excessively Improper bit type Use of bit having greater gauge
undergauge protection
Excessive rotating time Reduce rotating hours
Skidded due to balling Excessive WOB Lighter WOB
Improper bit type Use of softer formation bit type having
Bits and Holemaking teeth more widely spaced
IPM Insufficient fluid circulation rate Increase fluid circulation rate
 Drilling Problem Identification
FIXED CUTTER BITS

Condition of Dull Bit Possible Cause Possible Remedies

Polished diamonds Rotating in a hard formation Add WOB or select a bit with
without making hole smaller diamonds/cutters
Shattered diamonds Improper stabilisation Correct the stabilisation
Abnormal vibrations Reduce the vibration by
changing the RPM
Improper handling Proper handling
Sheared diamonds Improper break-in, Clean bottom of hole,
Broken nose stones Correct break-in procedure
Burned (flattened) Inadequate cooling Increase the circulation rate to
diamonds improve cooling
Burned bit Overheating as a result of Take care of proper hydraulics
plugging and/or balling up
Heat checking of PDC Overheating
supports or bit body
(matrix)
Worn throat Fragments of hard formation Proper hydraulics
rolling in the throat
Loss of gauge Long intervals reamed with When reaming minimise RPM
insufficient cooling due to and bit weight
clogged junk slots
Junk damage Junk in hole just ahead of the Clean bottom on previous bit
first diamond bit used run with a junk basket in the
Bits and Holemaking
string
IPM
 Bit performance
• Main function: ROP and longevity

• Drilling fluid is circulated through passageways in

the bit to remove cuttings and apply hydraulic
power to improve ROP
• ROP is a function of WOB, RPM, mud properties
and hydraulic efficiency

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Cutting Structure Comparisons
EHP41H HP83

Faster Drilling Slower Drilling

Less Durable More Durable
42 Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Tooth & Insert Cutter Designs
Soft Formation Hard Formation
• Fewer Teeth • More Teeth
• Longer Teeth • Shorter Teeth
• Bigger Teeth • Smaller Teeth
• Sharper Teeth • Duller Teeth
• Round Profile • Flat Profile
• Fracture-Resistant • Wear-Resistant
Tooth Material Tooth Material
• Faster Drilling
• Slower Drilling
• Less Durable
• More Durable
43
 Bit Handling and Make up

• Under no circumstances should the cutting structure of fixed cutter bit be allowed to contact any steel surfaces.

• All bits should be gauged with an appropriately sized gauge ring

• Bit serial number should be recorded, together with the bit type and diameter.

• Natural diamond bits, impregnated bits and TSP bits have a fixed TFA which can not be modified at the rig site.

• Tricone bits should be made up to the drill string using a correctly sized bit breaker.

• Fixed cutter bits should be “walked” by hand before applying correct torque.

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Bit Running Procedures
Roller Cone Bits

Running in Establish a bottom hole pattern

• Make the bit up to proper torque. • Rotate the bit and circulate when approaching bottom.
• Lower the bit slowly through ledges and dog legs This will prevent plugged nozzles and clear out hole fill.
• Lightly tag the bottom with low RPM.
• Lower the bit slowly at liner tops
• Roller cone bits are not designed for reaming. If reaming is required • Gradually increase the RPM.
then it should be undertaken with light weight and low RPM • Gradually increase weight on WOB.
• Protect nozzles from plugging

Before re-running green bits

• Make sure the bit is in gauge.

• Check any bit for complete cutting structure.

• Check any sealed bearing bit for effective seals.

• Soak any sealed bearing bit in water or diesel to loosen formation

packed in the reservoir cap equalisation ports.
• Re-grease l4¾" diameter and larger open bearing bits.
Bits and Holemaking
IPM
 Bit Running Procedures
Fixed Cutter Bits
PREPARATION

• Before running a diamond bit into the hole, have a junk basket run on the previous bit.

• After the previous bit is pulled, inspect it for junk damage and other wear, then gauge it.

• If the previous bit appears OK, the bit may be prepared to be run into the hole.

• Check O-ring and install nozzles, if appropriate, using the correct nozzle spanner as
supplied by the bit manufacturer.

• Check for cutter damage.

• Check that the bit is within tolerance on diameter and that there is no foreign material inside it.

Bits and Holemaking

IPM
 Bit Running Procedures
Fixed Cutter Bits
RUNNING THE BIT (ROTARY ASSEMBLY)
• Handle the fixed cutter bit with care. DO NOT set the bit down without placing wood or a rubber pad
beneath the diamond cutters.
• A correct bit breaker should be used and the bit should be made up to the correct torque as determined
by the pin connection size.
• Care should be taken in running the bit through the rotary table and through any known tight spots.
Hitting ledges or running through tight spots carelessly may damage the cutters or gauge.
• Reaming is not recommended, however, if necessary, pick up the string and run the maximum fluid possible.
Rotate at about 60 RPM. Advance bit through tight spot with no more than 4000 pounds weight on bit (WOB) at any time.
• As hole bottom is approached, the last three joints should be washed down slowly at full flow and with
40 to 60 RPM to avoid plugging the bit with fill.
• Once the bottom is located, the bit should be lifted just off bottom (0 to 1 foot if possible) and
full volume circulated while slowly rotating for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• After circulating, ease back to bottom and establish the bottom hole pattern.

• When ready to start drilling, increase the rotary speed to about 100 RPM and start cutting a new bottom hole pattern
with approx. 1000 to 4000 pounds WOB.
• Cut at least one foot in this manner before determining optimum bit weight and RPM for drilling.
Bitstest.
• Determine optimum ROP by conducting a drill-off and Holemaking
IPM
 Bit Running Procedures
Fixed Cutter Bits
RUNNING THE BIT (PDM or TURBINE)
• Start the pumps and increase to the desired flow rate when approaching bottom.

• After a short cleaning period, lower the bit to bottom and increase WOB slowly.

• After establishing a bottom hole pattern, additional weight may be slowly added.

• As weight is increased, pump pressure will increase, so the differential pressure and
WOB must be kept within the recommended downhole motor specifications.

• drillpipe should be slowly rotated to prevent differential sticking.

• All other operating practices are as per standard practices.

Bits and Holemaking

IPM