PDC Bit Technology
Components, technology, applications
Rev. A.
Zied Lehyani
PDC Bit Structure
PDC Face View
Nozzles
• Sintered tungsten carbide
MSP
• Standard size is the “SP”
(Single Piece)
• Additional size developed for
smaller bits is the “MSP”
SP
(Micro SP)
Diamond Cutting Structures
Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC)
•1976, introduction of first PDC for
drilling in petroleum and mining
•A natural diamond is a single
crystal, the term polycrystalline
means many crystals
Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC)
PDC Cutter Properties
• Diamond Table
Determines abrasion and impact resistance
• Diamond/Carbide Interface
Affects impact resistance
• Edge Geometry
Primarily influences impact resistance
Polished Cutters
PDC Cutter Applications
PDC Cutter Sizes
Genesis Nomenclature
Impreg Product Line
Diamonds used in Impreg Bits
• Synthetic diamonds
• Commonly called ‘Grit’
• High strength and thermal stability
• Typical size 0.025” (0,635 mm)
The PDC Bit Profile
Bit profile and cutter layout are closely
related. Each cutter layout is
compromise between the following
Maximum number of cutters (longer bit
life)
Lowest blade count (better hydraulics,
ROP)
Shortest possible profile (better bit
stability / cleaning)
PDC Profile Types
Cutter Mechanics
Cutter Orientation- Back Rake
The back rake determines the
aggressiveness of the cutter
Measuring from vertical, the less the angle
of back rake, the more aggressive the cut
Decreasing Backrake Increases Efficiency
Cutter Edge Geometry
Smaller chamfer size provides
more efficient cutting
mechanism
Larger size provides more
durability - depends on rock
strength
Compromise between sharp
efficient cutting and durability
Effect dependent on rock
strength
Can we just use small chamfers and 15º BR?
Based on our current
technology, the answer
is NO
In part, because
durability would suffer
Also, because low backrakes affect
wearflat development
For a given wear state, lower backrakes
yield bigger wearflats
PDC Wear Predictions: New vs. Worn
Low backrakes
are more
efficient in the
“new” state
As bits wear
they can
become
less efficient
“Lateral Instability” or “Bit Whirl”
A form of lateral vibration that
PDC bits tend to generate,
commonly called bit whirl
Individual blades “gear”
around the hole in a direction
opposite the bit rotation
The bit rotates clockwise about
its axis (looking down), but
moves around the hole in a
counterclockwise direction
Instability Affects Performance
Bit Whirling
Instability Affects Performance
Shock and vibration
Instability Affects Performance
Stability Increases Durability
Greatly Influences ROP
Once Cutters Sustain Impact Damage
Damage, the Bit Slows
Dramatically
Damage to Shoulder Cutters
Feeds High, Erratic Torque
Abrasion Damage
System Effects on Bit Stability
Bit Performance Depends on
BHA Performance
Drill collars are “unbalanced”
and tend to vibrate when rotated
(like an unbalanced car tire)
BHA design and operation controls the severity of
this vibration
The resulting BHA vibration loads the bit unevenly
