Development of advanced synthetic-diamond drill bits for geothermal drilling

摘要

The advanced synthetic-drilled bit project is a cooperative research program aimed at developing synthetic-diamond drill bits capable of drilling into hard-rock formations. Eight drill companies have teamed with Sandia National Laboratories to work on five projects with the objective of developing advanced bit technology that results in new commercial products with longer bit life and higher penetration rates in hard formations. An overview of each research project is presented. Results of the program to date, including the design and development of a new single-cutter testing machine and single-cutter wear and cutting force test results are also discussed.