Footage in STACK Lateral of Oklahoma Increased by 185% through New Non-Planar PDC Cutter Geometry Development and Implementation

Abstract

Abstract The development of improved synthesis techniques for polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDC) positively impacted fixed cutter drill bit performance. Coupled with these advances, recent developments in cutter geometry show improved cutter performance in many applications. Laboratory and field testing has demonstrated that modifying the face geometry of the PDC cutter used in a fixed cutter bit is one of the most direct ways to affect the efficiency and longevity of the bit's cutting structure. This paper describes a new non-planar cutter face geometry that has increased footage drilled, rate of penetration (ROP), and improved the bit dull condition in the Meramec formation in western Oklahoma's STACK play. A drilling mechanics focused team created a finite element analysis (FEA) model of the rock cutting process to optimize cutter face geometry for improved cutting efficiency. The new non-planar geometry enabled better cutting efficiency and improved cutter cooling. Multiple lab tests were then used to verify the model's predictions. Results from single cutter lab tests showed an 11% increase in cutting distance as measured in a vertical turret lathe test, a 30% decrease in cutting edge temperature from a pressurized cutting test, and a 10% increase in load capacity compared to a previous non-planar geometry in a face load test. Full-scale pressurized drilling tests in the lab showed that a PDC bit with the new geometry was 15% less aggressive with equivalent-to-lower mechanical specific energy (MSE) when compared to the same PDC bit with a previous generation non-planar cutter. Field tests were conducted with the new non-planar geometry applied to a commercial 0.529 inch [13mm] cutter on a standard 8-1/2 in. drill bit design used in the Meramec Lateral application. The paper reviews in detail three test cases in this multiple bit lateral section using the same bit design with and without the new non-planar cutters. In two test wells, we saw direct improvement of 185% distance drilled on average and an18.3% boost in ROP. At least 17 bit runs have been completed in this application using the new non-planar feature, proving it to be a beneficial enhancement. Similar performance improvement has been observed in other applications as well. The optimized cutter geometry has led to further and faster runs, resulting in significant time savings and improved consistency. The use of advanced cutter geometries provides a significant boost in drilling performance beyond that normally achieved through fixed cutter bit design optimization and materials improvements.