Varel Oil & Gas Drill Bits' HYDRA hydraulics optimization system is designed to improve ROP and footage in softer clays and shales using a blend of curved nozzles and straight blades with webbed features. Compared to conventional bits with straight nozzles, and curved, open blade designs, the bits achieve better cooling and cleaning without placing new demands on rig hydraulics, according to the company. Bits based on the HYDRA system have turned in impressive results in a wide range of traditionally sticky formations, Varel reported. In interbedded clays in New Mexico, where polycrystalline-diamond-compact penetration rates typically suffer, HYDRA-optimized bits have increased ROP to 40 m/hr (133 ft/hr) versus a 32 m/hr (106 ft/hr) average for offsets, resulting in the operators' fastest one-bottomhole assembly run to total depth.
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