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TREPHINES PDC

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1. INTRODUCTION
The selection of drilling bits is a crucial aspect for the
operation of all drilling projects.
Understanding the different types of drills and their respective applications is a
prerequisite for making the selection of drill bits.
Well drilling involves not only the correct drill bit for the application
correctly, but also to operate it with the correct operating parameters.
As drilling technology continues to improve at a rapid pace, the
Well supervisors must be updated on the latest developments
to ensure that they make the optimal selection of drill bits.

The trepan is the cutting tool located at the lower end of the string.
drilling that is used to cut or crush the formation during the process of
rotary drilling.
2. BACKGROUND
In the early 1970s, General Electric developed a process of
sintering to manufacture synthetic diamonds. Thin circular layers of
carbon graphite and cobalt were placed alternately in small cans and
they were pressed at 13,700 MPa. Then they were heated to 1500 ºC for five
minutes. The molten cobalt, acting as a catalyst and solvent, dissolves the
graphite and deposits monocrystalline diamond grit, which conglomerates and
one to form a fine polycrystalline diamond layer. The crystals
individuals, like natural diamonds, can crack if the loads of
impact is applied in the right direction, but polycrystalline diamonds
adhered, do not have cleavage plans and are more impact resistant.
PDC cutters are made up of synthetic diamond discs and
thicker substrates of cemented carbide. Cobalt forms a bond with the
substrate to form integral compacts that often adhere to
longer reinforcements of cemented carbide for the montage.

When heated, cobalt expands more than diamond. At 700 °C this

expansion breaks the link between cobalt and diamond, so that the
PDC cutters must remain below this temperature to avoid
the failure.

3. OBJECTIVE

4. DEFINITION OF PDC BIT

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 The PDC bits (polycrystalline diamond compact) belong to the set
diamond core bits with solid bodies and fixed cutters, and just like the
TSP (thermally stable diamond) drill bits use synthetic diamond. Their
The cutter design is made with synthetic diamond in the form of tablets.
(diamond compact), mounted on the body of the drill cutters
of natural diamond and the TSP, its hydraulic design is carried out with a system of
mud augers, similar to the tricone bits. Nowadays the bits of
PDC represents a large majority within the fixed cutter bits.
5. VENTAJAS Y DESVENTAJAS DEL TREPANO PDC
Advantages:
Longer lifespan in tested areas
faster ROP in tested areas
There are no moving parts (high N)
-Small diameter applications
Disadvantages:
Less recommended for hard and abrasive rocks
Faces, although they can often be repaired

6. APPLICATIONS OF POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTER BITS (PDC) AND

DESIGN FEATURES
PDC bits are highly suitable for soft formations up to
hard media, generally non-abrasive, of homogeneous composition. Improvements
in technology and design have expanded the range of formations that can
to be drilled with PDC bits. Conglomerates, Quartz Rocks and Rocks
Volcanic rocks are usually considered non-drillable with PDC bits.
TSP and natural diamonds are effective in harder formations (medium to
harder) and more abrasive than PDC bits, but they are not as effective in
softer formations. Due to its shear mechanism, the shear force
(torn), opposed to the action of crushing / excavating produced
For cone bits, PDC bits require considerably less.
WOB.
The fixed cutter bits are known for better performance in mud.
with oil-based muds than with water-based muds, where the cone bits are
affect less. When the drilling parameters are optimized for a
given training, a considerable improvement in the ROP can be expected when
compared to conventional cone bits. However, these bits are
much more expensive than conventional cone drill designs. For
these reasons require a general economic evaluation. The
fixed cutter bits are also a good option for the following
applications:
6.1. High rotation speeds

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 Often associated with the engine, but particularly with turbines due to
their inability of the seals of the roller bearings of the tricone bits to
tolerate high rotary speeds. The fixed cutter bits also
carry less risk of leaving waste in the hole. The augers of
fixed cutters specifically designed for turbine applications, are
built with an elongated profile, generally parabolic with a tapered shape
más largo y una nariz cerca del eje de la barrena. Esto permite el incremento de
redundancy of cutters in high wear areas.
6.2. Drilling of narrow or small-diameter holes (Slim Holes)
Fixed cutter bits drill more efficiently than roller bits.
cones, with little weight in drill. For this reason, the PDC and drill bits are
Natural diamonds are often preferred for drilling with pipe.
flexible, where the weight transfer to the face of the bit is limited.
6.3. Directional and horizontal drilling
When reduced weight is required in the drill bit, for purposes of
Directional drilling, PDC bits can once again be more effective.
that the designs of cone drill bits. However, in certain formations, the
PDC bit could produce too much torque when drilling.
wrapped. In this case, three-cone bits could be the option.
preferred. When selecting a PDC drill bit for a
directional application, the following design characteristics must be
considered:
Cutter size
Smaller diameter PDC cutters produce less reactive torque than,
let's say, 19mm cutters and in this way they help with stability. In
In general, cutters with a diameter of 13mm and smaller are the preferred option.
The use of torsion-reducing features is of particular importance.
when the drill bits are run along with a mud motor, which could be
drown in case the drill produces too many cuttings.
Cutter Orientation
High degrees of backward tilt in PDC cutters make the design of
less aggressive drills and therefore help maintain control of the face
of the tool.
Drill Profile
A flat-faced profile, incorporating a relatively shallow cone with a
sharp break from the elbow nose of the auger, reduces the load at points of
individual cutters, allowing for better distribution of WOB. This also
reduces torsion and makes the drill more navigable.

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 Figure 1: Profile of the auger

The profile is used to optimize the performance of the drill.

The goal is to optimize the stabilization of the drill and wear.

Figure 2: Types of Profiles

Shorter cuts and flatter profiles are used for more directional work.
while the deeper and longer profiles will be used rather when they
wants to drill straight holes.
Lightweight Configuration

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 Figure 3: Lightweight Configuration

It is used to drill softer formations.

Like roller cone bits, long blades are used less for
soft formations. These trepanos generate larger debris
and they perform very quickly if it is the correct formation. The terminology 'configuration'
it is used to indicate the quantity and size of the blades and cutters in the
trepan. A lightweight trepan will have fewer cutters and
spaced placed in fewer blades with large gaps in between
Yes. There are generally many jets or nozzles to keep it cold.
lubricated and clean the drill
Intermediate Configuration

Figure 4: Intermediate Configuration

Used to drill formations ranging from soft and drillable formations

ranging from soft and medium hardness and of a variety of types of
intermediate hardness and a variety of lithological types
The intermediate configuration is similar to the lightweight one, but there are more blades and
cutters. Likewise, the size of the cut should be reduced so that it
better reflects the surface tension against a harder formation.

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 Heavy Configuration

Figure 5: Heavy Configuration

Used for tougher formations of various types of tougher deformations of

various types of lithologies.
Again, the quantities of blades and cutters are increased as well as
it decreases in size. The width of the blade that goes from is also smaller
the matrix of the drill body. In this way, it reinforces the strength against the
lateral tension in the body of the drill due to the greater friction force in the
structures for cutting.
Very Heavy Configuration

Figure 6: Very Heavy Configuration

For drilling hard formations hard deformations.

The very heavy configuration PDC consists of the largest amount
of blades and the smaller cutters. In fact, with each turn of the drill
A larger area of the drill is in contact with the surface of the hole.
of drilling. If the rock is more resistant to breakage, the penetration rate
it will improve if the surface strength is increased

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Caliber length

Figure 7: Length of the Caliper

The length of the gauge is very important when selecting a drill for
directional applications. In case a lot of navigation is required,
then a small caliber length of 2.50 inches or less will provide
better sensitivity. However, if long and horizontal sections are perforated,
a drill with a length of strongly protected gauge and a little more
long, it could be preferred.
‒ Obtain information from the prospect wells

Identify the well objective, hole diameter, data of the interval to be drilled.
tipo de formacion, contacto geologico, litologia, condiciones y requeimientos
special well, determination of restrictions and indications of the
drilling.
Select the cutting structure, body, and profile of the drill
Identify the type, size, density, distribution, and inclination of the cutters.
Also the type of drill profile and body which will help with the optimal
stabilization and aggressiveness during drilling.
-Develop economic analyses
Identify the expected gain or savings from the use of this type of drill with
based on the cost per meter and economic profitability.
Select the hydraulic design
Identify the optimal hydraulics for drilling, as well as the type of control fluid.
used, based on the cleaning of the cuttings and the cooling of the drill.
7. NUMBER OF BLADES

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 Figure 8: Number of Blades

The largest number of blades allows for more cutters to be mounted, but
they reduce the area for the flow of mud and to remove debris. When you
I hope the drilling is quick, probably a smaller one will be selected.
number of blades.

Figure 9: Curved and straight blades

The blades can be straight or curved. Neither the curved nor the straight ones are better.
lines, so the issue should be analyzed with the manufacturers regarding the
formations that are planned to be drilled.

Size and shape of the cutters and blades.

8. FAILURE OR PERFORATION MECHANISMS
Shear Force Failure

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 PDC Drill Bit
SHEAR EFFORT
CONTINUOUS

Failure due to compression stress

Cone Barrena of
ROLLERS
CYCLICAL COMPRESSION

Drilling Mechanism Type of Drill

Scratched and Scraped Serrated Cone
Chiseled and crushed Insert
Shearing PDC
Furrows Natural Diamond
Milling Impregnated Diamond

9. Wear Structure
The cutting structure is rated from 0 to 8 depending on the percentage of the
cut structure that was lost (0 = Intact, 8 = 100% wear).

Figure 10: Wear structure

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Figure 11: Roller Cone

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