Essential Guide

TO

IMPROVING YOUR
RATE OF PENETRATION
 This measurement is often used as a benchmark against which to
In the drilling industry, the rate of penetration (ROP) is the speed measure changes in drilling parameters or processes. For example,
at which a drill bit advances through the rock under it to deepen if you were to change your core matrix, you would look at your
the borehole. Also known as penetration rate or drill rate, it is penetration rate with the old bit and compare it with the rate you
normally measured in inches per minute or meters per hour, but achieve using a new bit. In the same way, if you were to change
sometimes it is expressed in minutes per foot. your rotation speed or bit pressure, you would want to see how it

affects your ROP.

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 Improving penetration rates has a direct

impact on profitability as it will increase

productivity and lead to recuperating

more core. How to achieve better

penetration is a challenge for many

drillers but there are several factors that

must be considered.

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THE
RIGHT
CORE BIT
First and foremost, you need to choose the right core bit

for the type of ground you will be drilling. You will need

to determine the hardness of the rock you will be drilling

according to Moh scale. This can be done easily using a

scratch test.

To help you narrow down your choices,

um lcite uorite atite ine rtz z d um amond
Talc Gyp
s
Ca Fl Ap i c rocl Qua Top
a
Cor
u n Di you should then refer to a matrix selection
M
MOH
HARDNESS chart which will suggest bits that have been
SCALE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 developed specifically for different types of

rock hardness.

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 Other options could include core bits that are

self-sharpening, such as the T-Xtreme 9-11

or the Hero 11 Abrasive. This kind of core bit

has a softer matrix that has been developed

to provide excellent penetration rates by

allowing the diamonds to come into contact

with the ground very quickly. Penetration rate

is optimized with regular sharpening with a

high pressure feed.

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THE DEEP LATERAL
DISCHARGE

RIGHT
• Ideal for soft broken, ground

• Deep design increases space for water and

mud to flow to the bit

CONFIGURATION
• Waterways allow minimum water and
pressure on sample to prevent erosion

• Preferred choice when sampling

in overburden

Once you have an idea of the Terrain can be either fractured

matrix you need, you will also or competent and each will need STANDARD CYCLONE
need to consider the type of a different kind of drill bit. For
• Can be used on most • Designed with specific
waterway configuration. You will example, a bit with a deep lateral impregnated core bits angled waterways
need to look at the pattern, the discharge waterway configuration • Great fluid circulation from the • Greater ejection of
inside to the outside drilling fluids
number of waterways as well as is ideal for fractured rock. It is
• Available with wider • Works best in broken
the width between the waterways designed to allow better water and/or larger waterway ground
configurations
as all of these will play a role. flow to the bit with reduced risk of
Configurations are available with eroding the core.
different waterway widths and
matrix heights. TURBO PIE SHAPED
(TPS)
• Greater ejection of fluids
and cuttings

• Reduced contact area with the

same flushing performance

• Recommended for higher

rotation speeds

• Available with wider and/or

larger waterway configurations

Other waterways configurations availables

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 “Reviewing bit performance is
important - it may provide critical
information to help you find the right
bit and to improve productivity.”

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THE
RIGHT
CROWN HEIGHT
A core bit with a higher crown For example, let’s say you have
impregnated with diamonds, chosen a Vulcan with a matrix for
such as the Vulcan, may also medium ground. You are drilling
help improve penetration rates. and after 100 meters the ground
For example, if you are averaging changes to a very hard ground,
200 meters with a 13 mm crown, the Vulcan will not be suitable
but your borehole is 250 meters, and you risk prematurely wearing
a Vulcan bit can allow you to the Vulcan or burning it. While
complete the hole without it is a tool that can offer great
changing the bit. However, care results, you must be certain of
must be taken to choose a Vulcan the hardness and the type
with a matrix that is suitable for of ground.
the type of ground you will be
drilling. As a Vulcan typically lasts
up to 33% longer than a normal
core bit, it should be used in
ground that is not variable.

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 Some ground is more variable.
It may be soft for the first
100 feet and then become
harder, or fractured. When
dealing with variable ground
there are many products on
the market that provide the
versatility needed to perform
well in varying conditions,
such as the Hero series.

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THE
RIGHT
WATER FLOW
Make sure there is proper and sufficient water

flow to the bit. A check that your rods don’t leak

is suggested.

The use of drilling additives, such as DD-2000,

can help with flushing cuttings so that coring

is faster and wear on the drill bit is reduced.

Torqueless is an excellent product that reduces

torque, protects against wear and extends bit life.

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 THE RIGHT
ROTATION SPEED
AND PRESSURE
Rotation speed should be chosen carefully based on the diameter of the Bit pressure, or the force applied on the bit, As you advance deeper into the hole, you will

system you are using. If you are penetrating the rock quickly, it is possible to plus the weight of the rods that are being add rods and your rod weight will increase.

rotate the rods faster which will enhance ROP. Or if you are having difficulty used must be as low as possible while It is likely that you will need to reduce your

penetrating the rock, you can reduce RPM and help increase ROP. maintaining a good penetration rate. You feed pressure. At some point if you are

(See the chart below). should put only as much pressure on the using many rods, your rod weight alone can

bit as needed to advance. To achieve a become more than the pressure you have

Operating Parameters good penetration rate you must aim for the been exerting, meaning that you may need

ideal combination of rotation speed and bit to hold back pressure. This needs to be
SIZE NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL ESTIMATED PENETRATION RATES pressure. This relationship will change as you managed carefully and many experienced
RECOMMENDED BIT RECOMMENDED RPM RECOMMENDED FLUID
LOAD RANGE CIRCULATION RATES 150 rev/in drilled 250 rev/in drilled
60 rev/cm drilled 100 rev/cm drilled add each rod. drillers “feel” when the pressure needs to
2,000 to 4,000 lb
AWL
8.9 to 18 kN 1.5 to 3.5 US Gal/min 5.3 to 13.2 in/min 3.2 to 7.9 in/min change or be held back.
800 to 2,000 RPM
2,000 to 3,500 lb 5.7 to 13 Liter/min 13 to 34 cm/min 8.1 to 20 cm/min
AWL THIN KERF
7.9 to 16 kN
3,000 to 5,500 lb
BWL
13 to 24 kN 2 to 5.5 US Gal/min 4.2 to 10.6 in/min 2.5 to 6.4 in/min
650 to 1,600 RPM
2,500 to 5,000 lb 7.6 to 21 Liter/min 11 to 27 cm/min 6.4 to 16 cm/min
BWL THIN KERF
11 to 21 kN
4,500 to 8,500 lb
NWL
20 to 38 kN 3.5 to 9 US Gal/min 3.4 to 8.4 in/min 2.0 to 5.0 in/min
500 to 1,250 RPM
4,000 to 8,000 lb 13 to 34 Liter/min 8.6 to 21 cm/min 5.1 to 13 cm/min
NWL THIN KERF
19 to 35 kN
6,500 to 13,000 lb 5 to 14 US Gal/min 2.6 to 6.6 in/min 1.6 to 4.0 in/min
HWL 400 to 1,000 RPM
29 to 58 kN 19 to 53 Liter/min 6.6 to 17 cm/min 4.1 to 10 cm/min
10,000 to 19,000 lb 7.5 to 20 US Gal/min 2.1 to 5.2 in/min 1.2 to 3.1 in/min
PWL 300 to 800 RPM
44 to 84 kN 28 to 76 Liter/min 5.3 to 13 cm/min 3.0 to 7.9 cm/min

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Drillers who feel uncertain can always request

technical support or an onsite visit. Fordia’s technical

team is dedicated to improving drillers’ performance,

and an onsite visit is an excellent opportunity to

address issues and answer questions.

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