Hybrid bit improves drilling efficiency in Brazil's pre-salt formations

摘要

Drilling in Brazil's pre-salt carbonate reservoirs can make bit selection challenging. PDC bits are susceptible to thermal damage, when they encounter abrasive formations, and impregnated bits have a slower rate of penetration (ROP) in soft/medium formations. However, a new hybrid bit has proved capable of ROP and run lengths, similar to a standard PDC bit. The design allows the operator to achieve a long run at high ROP, when no incursions are encountered, and the hybrid's secondary and tertiary cutting elements enable drilling to continue, when nodules are encountered.