Reed PDC Nomenclature
Reed PDC Nomenclature
Reed PDC Nomenclature
Nomenclature
Version A was the first major design. Following analysis of run and wear data there was a
major design modification to version B. Run and wear data was evaluated for this version
which resulted in major design revision C.
The design version letter is generally associated with a number such as A8, B3 etc. and
denotes a design modification. The version letter and number directly follow the design
number e.g. DS173A1
D - DiamondBack
DiamondBack has a higher back rake than the primary cutter. DiamondBack cutters are
set behind and below the primary cutting structure tip profile. DiamondBacks provide
higher localized cutter density and increased durability without compromising the bit's
profile or hydraulic design.
Circumferentially Paired Cutters
E - Eccentric
Eccentric products have been replaced by BiCentrix bits such as the one pictured below.
A BiCentrix bit has the ability to pass through a smaller diameter casing, and then drill a
larger diameter borehole. Bicentrix bits are used in a range of applications.
BiCentrix - Reaming while drilling technology
F - Hard Facing
Optional DiamondBack* cutters provide a secondary cutting structure that improves the
ability of the PDC bit to drill faster and further into harder, more abrasive formations.
These durable cutters provide higher localized cutter density on the critical shoul-der area
to extend bit life. As a result, tor-que response is smoother, which improves stability and
control when drilling long-reach or tortuous well paths.
Hard Facing is applied to the front and top of blades to prevent erosion.(shown in gold)
G - Additional Diamond Gauge Protection
Standard gauge protection for steel bodied bits is tungsten carbide inserts and tengsten
carbide pads for the matrix bits. Where additional gauge protection is required
diamond is added to the pads on the matrix bits while cubic diamonds are added to the
tungsten carbide inserts for steel bodied bits.
Additional diamond gauge protection in a steel bodied bit (left) Standard tungsten carbide
inserts (right)
H - Hybrid
A Hybrid bit is one which has a combination of PDC cutter and natural diamond
impregnated stud. Hybrid PDC bits are more durable than conventional PDC bits of
similar design. The Hybrid component is one of many that the design engineer uses to
determine the optimum mix of aggressiveness, durability, steerability, and stability in a bit
design.
Steel bodied hybrid bit (left) and tungsten carbide matrix bodied bit (right)
J - Ports
The drill bit is fitted with ports or a combination of ports and nozzles.
A bit designed with 2 nozzles and 3 ports
K - WC Upreaming material
Hard Facing material applied to the back of the blade for added protection during
upreaming. Small size bits only.
Standard blade (left) and with hard facing material (right)
L - Gauge is Longer than standard
Gauge is Longer than standard
The Star Cutter is characterised in having inclined radial protrusions of the diamond
into the carbide substrate. The protrusions are evenly spaced around the cutter but
alternate in length. The Star design features the angled rim geometry for additional
diamond table thickness.
The Star Cutter incorporates a mono-modal diamond layer for good abrasion resistance
and impact resistance. The angled rim provides thick diamond right at the cutting edge.
The non planar interface of the Iris Cutter
ST - SideTrack
Ulta-short gauge lengths with a sharp break-over are available for sidetracking.
Ulta-short gauge length
T - Turbine Sleeve
Sleeve for turbine drilling
Turbine Sleeve
U - Back Reamers
PDC cutters positioned on the back of gauge for use during back reamimg operations.
Diamond positioned on the back angle of DuraDiamond bits for use during back
reaming operations
PDC (left) Diamond (right)
V - SwitchBlade Hydraulics
SwitchBlade Hydraulics employ a patented cross-flow design to improve the drilling
efficiency of PDC drill bits.
Conventional PDC bit hydraulics channels all flow from the central region of the bit
outwards. Much of the flow is used inefficiently and contributes little to cleaning and
cooling the PDC cutters.
By using a new cross-flow approach, the SwitchBlade design makes more efficient
use of the total fluid volume. SwitchBlade hydraulics position nozzles in both the
central and outer regions of the bit, radial distribution of hydraulic energy is greatly
improved. A greater portion of the hydraulic energy is directed to the outside diameter
region where it is needed most.