I N NOVATI N G WH I LE DR I LLI N G
Digital tools streamline
design, testing process
during drill bit selection
Digital twins, in-bit sensors among innovations shortening
the iteration cycle to help operators get bits into the field faster
BY STEPHEN WHITFIELD, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
T here is a lot that goes into a service company’s process
when helping operators to select the right drill bit for a
given hole section. They need to work with operators to
understand the plan for drilling the section. They need to mea-
sure the dynamics of the rock to be drilled, typically through rock
strength data provided by the operator. They need to determine
the amount of customization a given bit design and a given well
might need in order to help the operator achieve its objectives.

Often, they have to deploy simulation software to gather infor-
mation about multiple aspects of the bit’s potential downhole
Highlights
In the ultra-competitive bit business,
manufacturers must constantly push
performance by leveraging previous
lessons learned, adopting new solutions.

In some cases, digital twins can reduce
the need for field testing of new bit designs,
but this approach requires a higher level
of trust between operator and supplier.

Technologies like in-bit sensors and
automated dull grading are producing
better data, better understanding of
bit/rock interactions and, ultimately, better
bit designs.

28 performance. That’s typically followed by field testing, which can
sometimes yield different results from the simulations, sending
everyone back to the drawing board.

On top of the challenges in managing these variables, bit
manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to push the limits
of their products’ performance, recognizing that operators are
always seeking to reach deeper target depths at faster speeds.

“Because the bit business is so competitive, if you’re not in the
background trying to figure out how to beat your own prior perfor-
mance, you’re going to be displaced pretty quickly,” said Matthew
Jennings, Product Line Director – Drill Bits at NOV. “We have to
constantly beat ourselves and improve on our performance with
the bits we design. If we don’t, someone else will.”
Making even small incremental performance gains is critical
right now as drilling activity continues to ramp up around the
world. “A lot of times our customers are seeking a quick solution,”
said Derek Nelms, Product Line Manager – Drill Bits at Baker
Hughes. “Our goal is to find that optimal solution to push the per-
formance of the bit to the level the customer needs, and to do it in
the quickest way possible. Our expertise in the formations they’re
drilling in, our understanding of how our bits perform and the
technologies we need to deliver that best outcome – all of that is
so important to the process.”
In this article, DC speaks with Baker Hughes, Halliburton and
NOV to discuss steps they’re taking to enhance their simulation
software. Better software not only provides better understanding
of how a given bit will interact with the target rock formation, but
it can also shorten the time required for bit design and field testing,
allowing operators to get the bits into the field faster so they can
start drilling and producing.

M A R C H/A P R I L 2023 • D R I L L I N G C O N T R AC T O R