Diamond Drill Bits

Bit Selection
& Application
Click on the titles below to view the Documents. When you are
finished, shut down Adobe Acrobat to return to the
Hughes Christensen Electronic Catalog.

Table of Contents
(-- Application Guide 2

(-- Product Nomenclature 3

(-- API Diamond Bit 4

Tolerance
(-- TFA Values 4

(-- API Connection Chart 4

(-- Operating Guidelines For 5

PDC Bits
(-- PDC Application Check 6
List
(-- Recommended Make-Up 7
Torque
Diamond Product Applications

Diamond Product Applications

Bit Applications ABD BD BDH BDS BDP BX STR AG G S RWD SRWD STRWD
Conventional
Multipurpose
Hard Abrasive
Soft Abrasive
Plastic Shales
Steerable
Slimhole
Vibration Control
Balling
Hard Rock
Turbine
Hole Enlargement – Rotary
Hole Enlargement – Steerable
Hole Enlargement – Slimhole
Diamond Product Nomenclature

ABD, BD (Black Diamond) Series STR (STAR) Series Diamond Compact Bits
Diamond Compact Bits This is a premium line of small diameter PDC bits.
Black Diamond is a premium line of multi-purpose bits, Gold Series features like Stress Engineered Cutters,
custom designed for specific applications. Utilizing Carbide Supported Edge geometry and Black Ice pol-
“Application Engineered Cutters” and “Engineered ished cutters make these the right choice for the chal-
Cutter Layouts”, Black Diamond bits can be tailored to lenges of slim hole and directional applications.
meet the unique requirements of specific formations Where steerability is a concern, STAR bits are avail-
and operating parameters. Designs also utilize new able with increased cutter back rake, and wearknots
hydraulics, gauge design and streamlined geometry. to limit torque variability.

BX (Black Trax) Series Diamond Compact Bits S-Series BallaSet Bits

BlackTrax is a revolutionary line of PDC bits designed S series bits utilize thermally-stable polycrystalline
specifically for steerable applications. BlackTrax bits diamond cutters to drill medium to hard formations, or
feature a long tandem gauge. This less aggressive diamond impregnated segments to drill hard, abrasive
gauge with limited side cutting action, has improved formations.
steerability and delivers a quality wellbore. BlackTrax
bits take advantage of Engineered Cutter Technology. D-Series Natural Diamond Bits
Each bit’s cutter configuration is tailored for a specific
application. Like BD bits, BX bits incorporate new The D Series bits are surface set with natural dia-
hydraulics, gauge design and streamlined geometry. monds of various grades and concentrations to drill a
variety of harder, more abrasive formations.
AG/G (Gold) Series Diamond Compact Bits
Designed for conventional drilling, the AG/G bits fea-
ture Stress Engineered Cutters, Engineered Cutter
Placement, Carbide Supported Edge, and Black Ice
polished Cutters. AG Series bits incorporate Anti-Whirl
technology to extend their life and application range.

Diamond Drill Bit Series

PDC* BallaSet Natural Diamond BallaSet/Natural Diamond
Spectrum Technology
Black Diamond BD
Anti-Whirl Black Diamond ABD
BlackTrax BX
Auto Trak** TX**
Conventional PDC
Gold Series G
Anti-Whirl Gold Series AG
Impregnated PDC
BallaSet S
Natural Diamond D, T
SD Combination SD
*PDC Cutter Size is identified by the first digit of the bit nomenclature
3 = 3/8” cutter 4 = 1/2” cutter 5 = 3/4” cutter i.e. BD554 has 3/4” cutters

**Designed for use in conjunction with Baker Hughes INTEQ’s AutoTrak Rotary Steerable Tool
Technical Data

TFA VALUES OF COMMON NOZZLE SIZES

NUMBER OF NOZZLES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
7 .0376 .0752 .1127 .1503 .1877 .2255 .2631 .3007 .3382 .3758
8 .0491 .0982 .1473 .1963 .2454 .2945 .3435 .3927 .4418 .4909
9 .0621 .1242 .1864 .2485 .3106 .3728 .4249 .4970 .5591 .6213
10 .0767 .1534 .2301 .3060 .3835 .4602 .5369 .6136 .6903 .7670
11 .0928 .1856 .2784 .3712 .4640 .5568 .6496 .7424 .8353 .9281
12 .1104 .2209 .3313 .4418 .5522 .6627 .7731 .8836 .9940 1.1045
13 .1296 .2592 .3889 .5185 .6481 .7777 .9073 1.0370 1.1666 1.2962
14 .1503 .3007 .4510 .6013 .7517 .9020 1.0523 1.2026 1.3530 1.5033
15 .1726 .3451 .5177 .6903 .8629 1.0354 1.2080 1.3806 1.5532 1.7258
16 .1963 .3927 .5890 .7854 .9817 1.1781 1.3744 1.5708 1.7671 1.9634
18 .2485 .4970 .7455 .9940 1.2425 1.4910 1.7395 1.9880 2.2365 2.4850
20 .3068 .6136 .9204 1.2272 1.5340 1.8408 2.1476 2.4544 2.7612 3.0680
22 .3712 .7424 1.1137 1.4849 1.8561 2.2273 2.5986 2.9698 3.3410 3.7122
NOZZLE SIZE IN 32nds

API DIAMOND BIT TOLERANCES

NOMINAL BIT SIZE O.D. O.D. TOLERANCE
inches inches mm*
up to 6 3/4, incl. +0. - 0.015 +0 - 0.38
6 25/32 to 9, incl. +0. - 0.020 +0. - 0.51
9 1 /32 to 13 3 /4, incl. +0. - 0.030 +0. - 0.76
13 25/32 and larger +0. - 0.045 +0. - 1.14
*Converted from inches

API CONNECTION CHART

API REG. RECOMMENDED MAKE-UP BIT SUB SHANK SIZE
BIT O.D. RANGE
PIN CONN TORQUE RANGE O.D. O.D. I.D.
inches inches kNm* 1000 ft-lbs inches inches inches
2.4 - 2.7 1.8 - 2.0 3
4 - 4 1/2 23/8 3.3 - 3.7 2.4 - 2.7 31/8 31/8 1
4.2 - 4.6 3.1 - 3.4 31/4
4.2 - 4.6 3.1 - 3.4 31/2
45/8 - 43/4 27/8 41/8 11/4
6.2 - 6.9 4.6 - 5.1 33/4 & larger
7.1 - 7.7 5.2 - 5.7 41/8
55/8 - 63/4 31/2 8.5 - 9.4 6.3 - 6.9 41/4 43/4 11/2
10.4 - 11.4 7.7 - 8.4 41/2 & larger
73/8 - 77/8 16.9 - 18.6 12.5 - 13.7 51/2 53/4 13/4
41/2 22.4 - 24.5 16.5 - 18.1 53/4
83/8 - 9 23.9 - 26.3 17.6 - 19.4 6 & larger 63/4 13/4
50.3 - 55.3 37.1 - 40.8 71/2
95/8 - 121/4 65/8 8 3
51.5 - 56.7 38.0 - 41.8 73/4 & larger
65.5 - 72.0 48.3 - 53.1 81/2 93/4 3
143/4 - 171/2 75/8 78.2 - 86.1 57.7 - 63.5 83/4
81.3 - 89.5 60.0 - 66.0 9 & larger 111/2 3
*Converted from ft - lbs NOZZLE SIZE IN 32nds
Operating Guidelines for PDC Bits

General Information 5.Continual monitoring and adjusting of operational

Under the right combination of formation and operat- parameters as lithology changes are encountered
ing conditions, all bits are subject to whirl and related will maximize bit life and penetration rates.
cutter impact damage. HCC anti-whirl bits are Making a Connection:
designed to provide a much wider range of operating Making a connection follows a similar procedure to
parameters and conditions under which the bit will starting up but without the break-in period.
not whirl. 1.At the end of the Kelly, lower the rotary to 30-60
To take advantage of the unique features of these rpm.
bits, it is necessary that the bits be run properly. In 2.Clamp the brake and allow for a portion of the
general, slower rotary speeds and higher weights weight-on-bit to drill-off for several minutes.
than “typically” applied to PDC bits are preferred as a 3.Stop the rotary as the bit is lifted off bottom.
means of producing the desired penetration rates. It 4.After making the connection, wash back to bottom
is also important that the proper procedures be fol- at full circulation. Start the rotary at 30-60 rpm.
lowed starting the bit and when making connections. 5.First increase the weight on bit and secondly the
Following these procedures will assure maximum bit rotary speed as indicated in the prior section.
life and ROP.
Downhole Motor and Directional Applications:
Pre-Run Preparation: It is recognized that control of the rpm range of the bit
is limited in applications that use downhole motors. In
Proper inspection of the previous bit is important to general, the harder the formation, the lower the rpm
determine hole gauge conditions and if there are any should be. Therefore, it is important to know the
pieces missing from the bit that could cause damage application range the bit is required to drill and use
during the next run. the appropriate downhole motor configuration.
Stabilization has proven effective in maintaining AR-Series bits extend PDC applications into harder
straight hole and maximizing bit performance and is formations and are recommended to be run on high
recommended for all PDC bit applications. However, torque/low speed motors. Current information sug-
local experience or hole conditions may not require gests that in directional applications, AR-Series bits
that stabilization be run. All stabilizers and roller may build angle slightly slower than a conventional
reamers should be ring-gauged to be sure that they PDC bit. Therefore, insure that there is sufficient
are not oversized. room in the directional plan to adjust for a slightly
slower build rate. Local experience will dictate the
Operating Guidelines amount of adjustment. Reference SPE paper #24614
Rotary Applications: documenting directional field testing of anti-whirl bits.
1.With the bit just off bottom, bring the pumps up to 1.Lower the bit bottom with half the normal drilling
full flow and start the rotary table at 30-60 rpm. flow rate. Simultaneously bring up the weight and
2.Drill the first few feet at the start-up weight-on-bit to pump speed as drilling is initiated. If the bit is start-
establish the new bottomhole pattern. Tables are ed in a very soft formation where bit balling is a
supplied with the correct start-up WOB for each bit possibility, full flow is recommended. The softness
size and style. The start-up parameters should be of the formation will probably cause little or no
used for at least the length of the bit. damage to the cutters and sufficient depth of cut
3.After the bit has formed its own bottomhole pattern, will result in stable drilling in short order.
increase the weight on bit smoothly and evenly to 2.When a directional assembly is being utilized in
the normal drilling weight on bit. In very soft forma- the rotary mode, keep the drill pipe speed slow
tions this may be very close to the start-up WOB. (20-40 rpm).
Harder formations will take longer to break-in and
eventually require higher operating weights. Signs of Bit Whirl
Optimal WOB is that point at which additional During the run:
weight does not increase the penetration rate or 1.Low penetration rates (<12 ft./hr.) at high rotation
the torque limit is reached. speed (>120 RPM).
4.The rotary speed can now be increased to the 2.Non-linear ROP response to changes in RPM.
desired level. The optimal rotary speed is that point 3.Drill string vibration.
at which additional rpm does not increase the rate
of penetration or the torque limit is reached. Softer What to do if you suspect a bit is whirling:
formations will generally be more responsive to 1.Slow the rotary speed to 30-60 RPM.
increases in rpm. In harder and more abrasive for- 2.Increase weight-on-bit until ROP is 12 ft./hr. or
mations high rotary speeds can cause the cutters more. (Do not exceed maximum recommended
to wear prematurely. It is important to monitor the WOB.)
rop vs. rpm to ensure that lowest rpm is used for 3.Incrementally increase RPM and plot RPM vs. ROP
the desired penetration rate. Generally, the (curve should be linear if the bit and drill string are
recommended operating range is 60-240 rpm. not whirling.)
PDC Bit Application Check List

Formation Considerations Float Equipment

* PDC bits are sensitive to changes in lithology. * Float equipment must be PDC compatible if drilled.
Optimum parameters are formation dependent and * WOB & RPM should be kept as low as possible and
change with formations drilled. yet sufficiently high to drill the equipment (approxi-
* PDC bits are mostly used in soft to medium forma- mately: RPM=80, WOB=6Klbs.).
tions where a large amount of cuttings is generated. * Allow WOB to drill off prior to applying additional
Hydraulic energy is required to clean and cool the bit weight.
and is one of the most important factors
affecting ROP. * Keep flow rate at full volume to prevent damage to
cutters with high uneven loading.
* PDC cutter wear is accelerated with high RPMs
and high WOB when drilling hard and abrasive
stringers. For extended bit life, use of low RPMs Bit Break-In
(approximately 80-120) and lowest possible WOB is * Before bit break-in, compare expected hydraulic
recommended. calculations with actual hydraulic readings to detect
plugged nozzles, blown nozzles or pump problems
Bit Preparation before bit is on bottom.
* Check prior bit run for broken teeth or inserts. If * Soft formations: Bit break-in should be with maxi-
necessary, a junk basket run should be made. Junk mum flow rate (approximately RPM=100, WOB=2-4
in the hole results in early damage of the PDC bit. Klbs.). After 3-4 feet have been drilled, optimize
(Use of a junk basket on bit run prior to the PDC bit parameters to begin to maximize ROP.
run is recommended.) * Firmer formations: More time should be spent
* Remove PDC bit from box using a board or board establishing bottom hole pattern. RPM should be
mat placed under bit to avoid damage. Do not roll bit kept near 80-120 and WOB should be increased in
on steel, cement or similar surface. increments of 2 Klbs until drill-off begins. After 2-3
feet of hole is drilled in this manner, increase operat-
* Inspect PDC bit prior to going in the hole to ensure ing parameters to achieve optimum ROP.
there are no obstructions or foreign matter in it.
* Hand and abrasive stringers:
* Gauge nozzles before RIH. Low RPMs (approximately 80-120) and lowest pos-
* Prepare thread connection with dope and torque sible WOB should be used.
to API recommendations. A bit breaker should be
used for make-up torque.
Drilling, Connections, Tripping Out of Hole
* Drill off before picking up off bottom for next sin-
Tripping in the Hole gle/stand. This practice is useful to reduce thermal
* Caution should be taken when passing through the shocks of the PDC cutters, especially when drilling
BOPs, casing shoes and liner hangers. firmer formations.
* Slowly approach known tight intervals and sections * After making connections, return to full flow rate
of high dog leg severity and proceed carefully. while WOB and RPM should be increased gradually.
* Avoid reaming with compact bits. Short sections * When tripping out of the hole, slow down through
can be reamed with very light WOB (approximately known tight spots to avoid gauge damage. Be aware
2-4 Klbs), maximum flowrate and moderate rotary that PDC bits are full gauge and could readily swab
speed. a well if pulled too fast. Again, slow down through
* Wash down last single/stand slowly with maximum casing shoe, liner hangers and BOPs to avoid bit
flow rate. damage.
* Tag bottom with pumps on. Circulate approximately * PDC bit should be set on a board or board mat.
6”-12” off bottom for several minutes. If any fill is Never stand bit back on steel drill floor.
known to be on bottom, circulation should be consid-
erably longer, while working pipe.
Recommended Make-up Torque

Diamond Drill Bit Recommended Make-up Torque

API Reg. Pin Conn. Recommended Make-up Torque Range Bit O.D.
inches kNm* 1000 ft-lbs inches
2.4 – 2.7 1.8 – 2.0 3
2 3 /8 3.3 – 3.7 2.4 – 2.7 31/8
4.2 – 4.6 3.1 – 3.4 31/4
27/8 4.2 – 4.6 3.1 – 3.4 3 1 /2
6.2 – 6.9 4.6 – 5.1 33/4 & larger
7.1 – 7.7 5.2 – 5.8 4 1 /8
31/2 8.5 – 9.4 6.4 – 7.1 41/4
10.4 – 11.4 7.7 – 8.6 41/2 & larger
16.9 – 18.6 12.5 – 13.7 5 1 /2
41/2 22.4 – 24.5 16.5 – 18.1 53/4
23.9 – 26.3 17.6 – 19.4 6 & larger
6 5 /8 50.3 – 55.3 37.1 – 40.8 71/2
51.5 – 56.7 38.0 – 41.8 73/4 & larger
65.5 – 72.0 48.3 – 53.1 8 1 /2
75/8 78.2 – 86.1 57.7 – 63.5 83/4
81.3 – 89.5 60.0 – 66.0 9 & larger
85/8 92.2 – 95.9 125.0 – 130.0 12