Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, has released the AxeBlade ridged diamond element bit, which incorporates new-geometry Axe ridged diamond elements across the bit face. AxeBlade bits are designed to improve rate of penetration (ROP) in a wide range of formations and steering response in directional applications.
Axe elements have a ridge shape that combines the shearing action of a conventional PDC bit with the crushing action of a roller cone bit. The geometry of the element breaks rock with 30% less force.
“The drillbit market is performance-driven and seeks polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits that provide differentiated performance in ROP,” said Murat Aksoy, president, bits and drilling tools, Schlumberger. “The cutting efficiency delivered by the AxeBlade bit addresses our customers’ needs by helping to reduce the cost of drilling operations.”
The AxeBlade bit has been field tested in a variety of applications, drilling more than a cumulative total of 200,000ft (60,960m). In a field trial in South Texas, the AxeBlade bit kicked off from vertical to a 90° angle and continued drilling the lateral section for a total of 3586ft (1093m) with 29% faster ROP compared to offset wells.
Image: Axeblade bit/ Schlumberger