1- List different type of bits and their drilling mechanism?
Rolling Cutter Bits:
Milled tooth bit (gauging & scraping)
Insert bit (chipping and crushing)
Fixed Cutter Bits:
PDC bits (shearing)
TSP bits (shearing)
Natural diamond (ploughing)
Impregnated diamond (grinding)
2- An exploration well has been planned to study an anticline structure in order to assess
feasibility of natural gas storage. Suggest bit types, their features and quantity for each
hole section.
Bit Size Bit Type Qty.
36”*36”HO+26” RC: 115 (36”*26” HO) 1
26” RC: 115+135 1+1
17.5” RC: 135+215 1+1
PDC: S5193+S6193 1+1
12.25” RC: 217 1
PDC: M6193+M6163 1+1
8.375” RC: 437/537 1
PDC: M6163/M6134/M7132 1
6.125” RC: 537 1
PDC: M6133 1
3- List the factors affecting bearing life? List the different arrangement of bearings in roller
cone bits?
Formation characteristics (lithology, abrasiveness, compressive strength)- drilling fluid
properties (MW, solid content)-drilling parameters (WOB, RPM, flow rate)-drilling time-
bearing lubrication system-bit initial condition (dull grade)-bearing type
RBR (>9”)-RBF (6”< <9”)-FBF (<6”)-FFF (<6”)
4- Explain the following concepts:
- Journal angle: Angle between cone axis (journal pin) and formation surface
- Negative offset: If cone axis deviation is in the opposite direction of bit rotation
- Depth of cut: The depth the cutter is indented into the rock, depends on back rake angle
and cutter size
-
- Bit aggressiveness: Degree of conversion of WOB to Torque, which increases by increasing
DOC (T/WOB)
- MSE: Mechanical energy consumed to remove a unit volume of rock
5- Calculate cost/m of a PDC Bit which were used in a well with following information:
12-1/4” hole section
13-3/8” casing shoe@1000 m
TD=2500 m (casing point)
Drilling time=120 hours
Bit cost=$5500
Trip time=10 stds/hr =12 hrs
Rig daily cost=$35000=1458.3 $/hr
C=[5500+1458.3x(120+12)]/1400=141.4 $/m
6- Describe the condition of bit with following dull grade:
T3B(SE)I
3/8 (37.5%) of teeth are worn (on average)
Bearing is intact and sealing is effective
Bit is in gauge
4-5-2
4/8 (50%) of teeth is worn (on average)
5/8 (62.5%) of bearings life has been used
The bit is 2/16” out of gauge
2-3-WT-S-X-2-PN-HR
2/8 (25%) of inner cutters (cutters inside 2/3th radius of bit) are worn (on average)
3/8 (37.5%) of outer cutters (cutters outside 2/3th radius of bit) are worn (on
average)
The dominant reason for dull is worn teeth
The frequently occurred area for WT is on shoulder area
The bit has no bearing (X)
The bit is 2/16” out of gauge
One or more nozzles are plugged
The reason for pulling out bit is hours on bit
6-4-1/8(LKC#3)
6/8 (75%) of teeth is worn (on average)
4/8 (50%) of bearings life has been used
The bit is 1/8” out of gauge
Cone#3 is locked
7- List the factors affecting bit selection?
Well geometry: vertical/directional, last casing depth, TD,
Formation characteristics: lithology, bedding inclinations, natural fractures
distribution, stress distribution
Drilling fluid properties: type, MW, rheology, …
Hole section: size, length, condition, …
Predicted drilling problems
BHA design
Rig Specification
…
8- Is ROP a valid criterion for comparison of two similar bits performance in two different wells?
Explain
No. because ROP is function of formation properties, mud properties, drilling
parameters. To compare ROP of two same bits at different wells, the
abovementioned factors also should be same at two wells.
9- Explain the Steel body bit manufacturing process?
10- Why bit dull grading is important?
- To evaluate the bit run
- To show future customers the condition of the bit when it was pulled
- Quick and simple way to describe the dull condition
- Identify the issues and give feedback to improve future bit design and selection
- Optimize the drilling parameters for next runs
11- How could we increase stability of a short gage PDC bit with low cone angle?
Using spiral blade
Modifying side rake angle
Using anti-whirling characteristics.
Rearrange cutters as below (opposite side rake angles):
12- Suggest bit designs for following condition:
a) Case#1
- Abrasive sand formation
- Uniform cutters wear
- ROP is top priority
- Directional drilling to reach a target at 4000 m.TVD, 3000 m H.D.
- There are Cherty veins distributed in the formation (30%)
- Dip angle=30, strike=200°
High cutter density (especially on nose and shoulder)
Small size cutter (13mm)
Medium to long profile (high ROP→lower durability)
Short gage length to increase steerability
Using high grade PCD or TSP due to presence of chert
Reinforced gage due to abrasiveness of formation
b) Case#2
- Soft Marl formation
- Vertical well
- Dip angle=15°
- Bit balling up problem according to offset wells
Large cutter size (19 mm)
Large gage length with higher stability
Low back-rake angle to increase DOC (5°-10°)
Higher junk slot area and higher blades height
Optimized nozzles placement
13- It is planned to drill a 12-1/4” hole section with a PDC bit. According to offset bit records
(same bit type) average ROP of bit is 6 m/hr, determine max drillable interval length?
Bit cost = 50000 $
trip time = 10 stds/hr
Rig hourly charge = 883 $
Unit cost=250 $/m
14- According to surface indicators during drilling, which are shown below, whats the problem in
and what solution do you suggest?
15- List the various types of bit vibrations, their surface indicators and solutions?
16- List the various hydraulic optimization criteria?
