Understanding the Technology Behind PDC Bits

1) Structural characteristics of PDC drill bits

PDC drill bits are composed of drill bit body, PDC cutting teeth and nozzles. They are divided into two series: steel body and matrix body according to different structures and manufacturing processes. The entire bit body of the rigid PDC drill bit is made of medium carbon steel and processed using mechanical manufacturing processes. Drill holes on the working surface of the drill bit and fasten the PDC cutting teeth to the crown of the drill bit with a press fit. The crown of the drill bit is treated with a surface hardening process (spraying tungsten carbide wear-resistant layer, carburizing, etc.) to enhance its erosion resistance. The main advantage of this drill bit is that the manufacturing process is simple; the disadvantage is that the drill bit body is not resistant to erosion and the cutting teeth are difficult to secure, so it is currently rarely used. The upper part of the drill bit body of the matrix PDC drill bit is a steel body, and the lower part is a tungsten carbide wear-resistant alloy matrix, which is manufactured and formed using a powder metallurgy sintering process. Use low-temperature solder to weld the PDC cutting teeth to the reserved grooves in the carcass. The tungsten carbide matrix has high hardness and is resistant to erosion. Therefore, the matrix PDC drill bit has a long life and high footage, and is currently widely used.

2) Working principle of PDC drill bit

PDC drill bits break rocks by cutting. The self-sharpening cutting teeth can easily cut into the formation under the action of drilling pressure, and move forward to shear the rock under the action of torque. Multiple PDC cutting teeth work at the same time, and the rock at the bottom of the well has many free surfaces, and the rock is easily broken under shear, so the rock breaking efficiency is high and the drilling speed is fast.

3) Correct use of PDC bits

PDC drill bits work best in large sections of homogeneous soft to medium-hard formations. Not suitable for drilling gravel layers and soft and hard strata. Using low drilling pressure, high speed and large displacement drilling, the drill bit has good effect.

Before the drill bit goes into the well, the bottom of the well must be clean to ensure that there are no metal falling objects.

When the drill bit is first lowered into the well, a small drilling pressure and low rotational speed should be used to run the drill bit, and normal drilling should be resumed after the bottom of the well is formed. The PDC drill bit is an integral drill bit without any moving parts and is suitable for high-speed turbine drilling.

When selecting a steel body PDC drill bits, there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal performance. First, it is important to evaluate the specific drilling conditions and formation characteristics to determine appropriate drill bit design and specifications. Factors such as formation type, drilling depth and required drilling speed will influence the selection of the appropriate steel body PDC drill bit for the job.

Additionally, it is critical to consider tool configuration and quality when selecting steel-bodied PDC drill bits. The placement and size of the cutting tools play an important role in determining the cutting efficiency and durability of the drill. High-quality cutting tools using advanced PDC technology can improve the overall performance and service life of the drill bit, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term drilling projects.

In addition, the design of the hydraulic function of the drill bit cannot be ignored. An effective hydraulic system is critical to keeping cutting structures properly clean and cool, especially in challenging drilling conditions. A well-designed hydraulic system helps prevent bit pelletizing and ensures Effective removal of cuttings, helping to improve drilling performance and bit life.

In short, by considering specific drilling requirements and selecting quality steel-body PDC drill bits with the right design and features, drilling professionals can maximize drilling efficiency and achieve superior results in challenging formations.