JPT
Go
spacer

 

Vol. 58 No. 12

December 2006

Bit Technology

Step Change in Performance: Upgraded Bit Technology Improves Drilling Economics

Operators in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are constantly looking for ways to reduce the costs of drilling development wells. A new steel-tooth (ST) roller-cone bit with an advanced metal-seal bearing has achieved this goal and is having a significant effect on drilling economics. Improvements in bearing life, seal reliability, and cutting-structure durability have resulted in more time on bottom, giving the operator the confidence to use the new roller-cone bits in long directional hole sections.

View a synopsis of SPE 103074

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 103074, "Step Change in Performance: Upgraded Bit Technology Significantly Improves Drilling Economics in GOM Motor Applications," by B. Grimes, SPE, and B. Kirkpatrick, Hughes Christensen, prepared for the 2006 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 24-27 September. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

What do you want to do?

Purchase the full technical paper from the eLibrary