fi x e d c u t t e r b i t

FIXED CUTTER DRILLING BITS:

Fixed cutter bit has no moving parts; the cutting structures and bit body rotate as one part. The
main types of these bits are: PDC (polycrystalline diamond compact), TSP (thermally stable PDC)
and diamond bits.

TSP Drilling Bits

It was noticed that the bonding materials are the weakest part of the cutter. Under the high
temperature at the bottom while drilling, the bonding materials lose their strength. The TSP bits are
composed with same artificial diamond without using the bonding materials.
 The PDC Drilling Bits

This type of bits can be used for different formations from soft to hard. The PDC bit has cutters which consist
of a layer of artificial diamond (polycrystalline diamond). Using a high pressure high temperature technique
the polycrystalline diamond is bonded on layer of cementer tungsten carbide.
The cutter is self-sharpening because the sharp crystals are exposed continuously as each layer wears or
disappears.

The polycrystalline diamond is bonded to studs of tungsten carbide, which are then pressed into holes on the
head of the bit. The cutters are placed in a helical pattern on the face of the bit. This combination results to a
cutter which has wear resistance and hardness of diamond, and also impact resistance and strength of tungsten
carbide.

The bit body is forged with same high steel used to make the cones of the tri-cone bits, and in order to
reinforce the bit against fluid erosion, the face of the bit is coated by a layer of tungsten carbide.
 PDC bit design

The PDC bit has an important advantage if it is compared with the tri-cone bit; it has no moving
parts like bearings or cones which they have to be fished in case of failure.

The PDC bit shears the formation rather than crushing or gauging the formation as do the tri-cone
bit
The PDC bit has longer life and extended gauge with tungsten carbide wears pads which help to
maintain gauge.

The concave shape of bit's face permits the cutters to drill the rock simultaneously, and also
increasing bit stabilization and decreasing the potential for deviation.

The cleaning action of the bottom of the hole and the cutters are performed by the jet nozzles which
vary in number and size. They are located in such manner to increase the quality of cleaning.
 Diamond Drilling Bits:
The natural diamond bits are used to drill through very hard abrasive formation.
This type of bits was developed from mining industry. The main advantages of
this type of bits are their longevity, reduced number of run bits and tripping time
to get to the next casing point.

There are also some drawbacks of using a natural diamonds bits. The slow rate of
penetration is one of the main down sides of using this kind of bits. The diamonds
are set into a steel body; roughly two thirds of the cutter length is embedded into
the bit head which can cause easy balled bits in soft formation, for this reason
the natural diamonds bits are used for hard, abrasive formations.

The natural diamond bits require relatively high RPM and moderate WOB. High
hydraulic horsepower is not a major requirement, so the jet nozzles are not used.
The drilling fluids flow through orifices then by flow channels cut into the bit head
 APPLICATIONS OF FIXED CUTTER BITS IN DRILLING

Fixed cutter bits, unlike roller cone bits, have cutting elements that are directly attached to the body of the drill bit. These bits are widely used in
various drilling applications due to their unique advantages. Here's a breakdown of their key applications:

 Oil and Gas Drilling: Fixed cutter bits, particularly Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) bits, are a dominant force in modern oil and gas
drilling. Their shearing action makes them more efficient than roller cone bits, which crush the rock. PDC bits can drill through hard formations at
faster rates and achieve greater depths .
 Hard Rock Formations: Due to the presence of extremely hard materials like diamonds or Tungsten Carbide inserts, fixed cutter bits excel at
drilling through hard rock formations. They are the preferred choice for applications like geothermal energy exploration, mining, and deep well
drilling .
 Applications Requiring Precise Hole Geometry: Since fixed cutter bits have a defined cutting profile, they can create holes with a more accurate
and consistent diameter compared to roller cone bits. This makes them suitable for applications where precise hole geometry is crucial, such as
directional drilling and wellbore completion .
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FIXED CUTTER BITS

Advantages:
 Efficiency: Fixed cutter bits, especially PDC bits, utilize a shearing action to cut through rock, which is more efficient
than the crushing action of roller cone bits. This translates to faster drilling rates and reduced drilling time .
 Durability: The cutting elements of fixed cutter bits are typically made from very hard and wear-resistant materials
like diamonds or tungsten carbide. This allows them to drill through tough formations with extended life compared to
standard drill bits .
 Precise Hole Geometry: With a defined cutting profile, fixed cutter bits produce holes with a more consistent and
accurate diameter. This is crucial for applications like directional drilling and wellbore completion where precise hole
geometry is vital.
 Reduced Formation Damage: The shearing action of fixed cutter bits minimizes formation damage compared to the
crushing action of roller cone bits. This can be beneficial for applications where preserving the integrity of the rock
formation is important .
Disadvantages:
 Cost: Fixed cutter bits, particularly PDC bits, are generally more expensive than roller cone bits due to the use of high-quality
materials like diamonds. This higher initial cost needs to be justified by the benefits they offer .
 Limited Application in Soft Formations: Fixed cutter bits are not ideal for drilling through soft formations like clay or loose sand.
Their shearing action is less effective in these materials, and roller cone bits are a more cost-effective option .
 Susceptibility to Impact Damage: The hard and brittle nature of the cutting elements in fixed cutter bits makes them susceptible to
damage from sudden impacts or encountering hard inclusions within the formation .
 Maintenance: While fixed cutter bits are generally durable, they may require resharpening or replacement of the cutting elements after
extended use. This can add to the overall drilling cost .
In conclusion, fixed cutter bits provide significant advantages in terms of drilling efficiency, durability, and precise hole geometry.
However, their higher cost, limited application in soft formations, and susceptibility to damage need to be considered when selecting the
right drilling bit for the job.
 References:

1. R. L. Wobbe, "Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language," PennWell Books, Tulsa, OK, USA, 2008. (Page 123)

2. J. A. Anderson, "Rock Bits and Their Application," Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, TX, USA, 1994. (Page 56)

3. M. Samad, "Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology: Principles and Practice," Springer, Cham, Switzerland, 2017. (Page 89)

4. G. R. King, "Drilling Engineering Handbook," Gulf Professional Publishing, Houston, TX, USA, 2001. (Page 234)

5. H. Rabia, "Gas Well Deliquification," Gulf Professional Publishing, Houston, TX, USA, 2003. (Page 187)

6. J. J. Azar, G. Robello Samuel, "Drilling Engineering," PennWell Books, Tulsa, OK, USA, 2015. (Page 321)