I N NOVATI N G WH I LE DR I LLI N G
NOV says it has been focusing on improving cutter grades and shapes as part of efforts to help operators improve their drill-
ing performance. Its new ION+ 5DX cutter, launched last year, is one example and features a working ridge designed to
withstand sudden impacts while imparting high compressive loads into the formation.
for example, is typically a back-and-forth process, with the opera-
tor providing its performance targets and outlining the limiters
it has identified while drilling the formation in previous runs. “It
might take two or three iterations for us to come up with the right
profile for the operator to maximize value from the application,”
Mr Benie said.
Especially in basins like the Permian, where operators drill a
variety of hole sizes in every rock formation imaginable, drill bit
designs need to be more customized. In these cases, initial field
testing often proves extremely valuable. While the simulation
software provides a good estimate of how the bit will perform –
providing theoretical potential for vibrations and aggressivity, for
example – a physical run is still often required to get a clearer
picture of specific elements of drill bit performance. For instance,
NOV runs add-on applications to its simulation software that
analyze the potential for downhole dysfunctions like whirl and
stick-slip, but the models that are programmed into those add-ons
can only provide estimates.
While the process of selecting a drill bit has remained relatively
unchanged over the years, NOV says where it has made the most
progress is in terms of using bits to improve operators’ drilling
performance. This includes taking the insights gained from pre-
vious bit designs to achieve efficiency gains in future projects – in
particular, the company has been focused on improving cutter
grades and cutter shapes to help make the bit more stable and
increase its durability.
32 “The way that operators are going to save money is by reduc-
ing the amount of days to drill a well,” Mr Jennings said. “ROP
in single intervals has reached a critical point, so now we’re
looking at how we can do more intervals with the same bit so
we don’t have to trade for the same set of tools. That presents
a unique challenge for the cutters because now you’re going
through different types of rock failures in the same run. We’re
looking at how can we build a cutter array that will go through
an abrasive shale, back into an abrasive sand, then back into a
shale – all in one interval without needing different bits to drill
independently.” In March 2022, NOV launched its ION+ 5DX cutter, which
incorporates a working ridge that is designed to withstand
sudden impacts while imparting high compressive loads into
the formation. The goal with the layout of these cutters is to
minimize impact damage while maximizing ROP. The company
said that the 5DX has shown a 60% increase in material tough-
ness – or the amount of energy per unit of volume that a material
can absorb prior to rupturing – over the average of commercial
cutters. “The cutter group is constantly working on new cutter grades,
trying to improve the cutter shape and the array,” Mr Benie said. “As
we make cutters that are more impact-resistant, we can be more
aggressive on the design side and help our clients exceed their
targets. If an operator can drill 9,000 ft of lateral in 24 hours, we
can help them drill the same distance in less time tomorrow.” DC
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