Application-specific bit design
To provide a cost-effective bit for the operator, a Smith Bits design team researched dull analysis from the operational area. Based on this information, they concluded that a bit for this application could be optimized by making two significant changes: First, they changed the hydraulic configuration of the drill bit by blanking off its outer nozzles, while leaving the center nozzles open. This redirected mud flow away from the bit body and to the formation, which reduced the erosive hydraulic force that was hitting the bit's blades and compromising their durability. And to further increase durability, their second change involved altering the abrasion resistant matrix powder in the bit's blades. To select an application-specific bit, the team used IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform. The resulting bit model indicated that a PDC bit was needed with a more aggressive cutting structure: the 8 1/2-in MDi619LBPXX.
Two bits drill over 10,000 m and save USD 115,000
The optimized PDC bit proved to have much greater durability than previous bits and, as a bonus, steering response was improved. The first 8 1/2-in MDi619LBPXX PDC bit drilled four lateral sections totaling 4,267 m, saving USD 38,500. The second bit drilled six lateral sections totaling 6,095 m, saving USD 77,000.
