Challenging section adds time and cost to the well
An operator planned to drill a 12 1/4-in vertical section in the Browse basin offshore Australia through the challenging Dampier, Heywood, Baudin Marl, and Wollaston Formations. These formations are composed of interbedded hard limestones and chert with high compressive strengths, which induce heavy damage to conventional PDC bits. Such damage slows ROP and requires the operator to pull bits prematurely, requiring more time to drill the section.
StingBlade bits optimize drilling performance
To improve bit durability and ROP, Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, recommended using StingBlade bits. Engineers used the IDEAS platform to determine the optimal placement of Stinger elements across the bit face. The Stinger elements’ 3D conical shape is designed to fail high-compressive-strength rock with a concentrated point load. The elements also have a thicker diamond layer for maximum strength and durability. This enables StingBlade bits to drill farther through formations that typically cause impact damage to PDC bits while also sustaining higher ROP throughout the run.
