SPE/lADC

SPE/lADC 16144

Diamond Bit Handling and Operation

by J P. Allamon. Conoco Inc.; T. McKown. Exeter Drilling; D. Hill, Strata Bit Corp.:

73A Brooks. Diamant Boart: B.B. Bayoud, Smith Drilling System; and W.J. Winters,

Amoco Production Co.

SPE Members
IAOC Members

C%r,ghl 19s7.SpE/lA~ 19s7Df,llfngContef-e

Ttm paperwaspr~ared for presc.latmnat me 19S7SP13AL7CDrdlmgConk,ronceheld m NewOrleans.LA. March 15-18. 19S7

Th,3-, ~as %~t~ lot ptew.tatm by an SPEnACx ProgramCOmmmeshxiowmgreviewa4mtarmateen cOntamaO m an SbWrsr.1

su~$rted by
theauthor(s)Contentsot thewpst ss grsssntee.havenotbeenrsv@weubyme Sameryd PetroleumEmgmeers w l.terna!mrmlAssoaarmnorOntb
mg coMtactor$and are sub~t 10 corrsmon by me a.mrtqs) The material.ss presemso.ckas ml nswsssrdyKIYICSYany POSItmn01me IADC o!
SPE. asolbcers.01m%mbm Papem.presentedat SPE/lADC meemgs aresubieclm Pubkakon by EdIIOCIaI Cemmwea of [heWOC and SPE Pw.
m!swo.to caoy!s fe.wr!cwd 10an absrrarl0! notmorethanS30words Illustrations
maynorbe COP@ Th4 rkIs1r~lshou!dconta cO!MPKumm ac.
hnew@dgmsntO!whereandby whomlhe PSP91mCIwsmsd WIIle PutIIcatmnsManaget.SPE. P O sex eS3S3a.Rbckwdson. TX 7E44!3.3S36
Telax.
7S098SSPEDAL

Abst=set If swbjee~ed to high ~et cheek ad tqra-

The predominant experience throughout the dril1ing
industry is with roller cnr.exock bits. Hwever,
diamond bit use has increaaed substantially in the
paat five years and continued increases are like-
ly. Diamrmd bits are different enough in their
design and function that they require distinctly
different handling and operating procedures. Thie
paper describee such procedures from the point the
bit la unboxed, through make-up in the rotary ta-
ble, tripping into the hole, waahing and reaming
to bottom (with attention to downhole motors),
establishing a new bottomhole pattern, identifying
pumpoff effects if present, establishing a aatia-
factory pen~.tration rate, responding to formation
changes, and recognizing and diagnosing indica-
tions that may lead to the decision to trip out of
the hole. This paper bridges the gap between two
other related papera which describe hnw new dia-
ite are classified before they go in the
and how worn dia nd bits are graded once
~j~re out of the holey~.
Introduction
Different typea of diamond bits available today
include polycryatalline diamond compacts (PDC),
natural diamond, and thermslly stable polycryatal-
1ine (TSP). All of theee types of bits will be
referred to as fixed cutter bita. There are
significant differences in the deeign of these
bits, but the basic handling procedures are the
saw.
A PDC contains man-made diamond crystals held
together by a cobalt binder attsched to a tungsten
carbide substrate. The PDC is bonded to a tung-
sten carbide stud or brazed directly onto a bit
head depemding on whether the bit la a steel or
metrix body reapecttvely.
References and illuatrationa at end of paper.
man
-.
tures, the integrity of the PDC cutting element
can be greatly reduced. fiighimpect forces can
cause fracturea to propagate through the
diamwnd grain along cleavage planes or by a
crwshing action which grad~l~ removee smell
pieces of the diamond grain . Also, opera-
tins temperature above 662e F (350 C) accel-
crate ~the wear rate cauaed by high impact
forces . Teste have shmwn that a reduction in
diamnnd hardness occurs as operating tempera-
tures at the diamond cutting element increaae.
The apparent hardness of PDC drops abost
linearly to a value of 65% of its room tempera-
ture value at 700 C. Evidence suggeata that
this la due to the differences in therrael
:%:*~~ . b;:;:: t::er::::d can
and be cObelt
con-
trolled to acme &egree by meirttaining proper
RPM, WOB, and GPM .
Diamond bits incorporate natural diamond set
into a metrix body. The wear characteristics
of natural diamond are similar to tt.e frac-
turing of the synthetic diamond gra!ns almng
cleavage planes in the PDC. Natural diamond
has a mwch higher critical temperature compared
to the PDC. This characteristic makes natural
diemond en xcellent cutting element for uae in
mediwm to hard fomketiens.
A TSP is a eolid piece of polycrystalline
diaamid with a binder other then cobalt or with
the cobalt binder materiel leached out .
Leaching the cobalt binder away from the
synthetic diamend crystals increasea the
thermel stability of the cutting element. The
end reeult ia an aggressive self sharpening
cutter similar to the PDC with the thermel
stability of a natural dhd.
I%*procedure. u$ed in rweming the fixed cat tcr
verews roller come bits vary eigrtiflcarttly.
2 DIANOND BIT HAND
The mechanical properties of the cutters, cutting
element-formation interaction, and design config-
urationo of fixed cutter bits require that breakin
procedure and operating parameters be monitored
much more closely then roller bits to insure
optimom performznce.
Handling and Operation
Thie section deecribes fixed cutter bit handling
and operating procedures from the point the bit
arrivea on location through meke-wp in the rotary
table. Following these eimple guidelines will
certainly enhance the ability of the product to
perform at its full potential, and achieve the
desired reoults.
The first gwideline is to cheek for proper bit
design configuration and size, TFA/nozzles, and
API rotary connection (Table 2).
Now with the new IAOC standardized diamond bit
breaker, one no lon~ has to carry m-e ~ ing.
ureakers thus providing mwtual benefit to contrac-
tors, operators and -nufacturere.
The second guideliue ie to determine that the hole
to be drilled ia ready for a fixed cutter bit.
fie previowa bit eitdbot~le ~ly eheuld bz
examined for indicatinna of junk in the hole. In
certain ceses, the running of a junk basket prior
to the fixed cutter bit is advieable to eneure a
clean wellbore.
Unbox the bit on the rig floor, keeping the bit
head from contacting the steel floor. This can be
achieved by using a ?rill pipe wiping rubber,
manufacturera packinp elats, pieces of wood (3/4
thick) or similar mscerials to prevant damage to
the bit.
Record the bit size, the IADC code, the manufac-
turer, the bit type, the aerial number, and the
TFA/nozzles, all on the IADC Daily Report Form,
and in the Drilling Supervisor Handbook.
The fixed cutter bit should then be gaged to
verify ita diameter (Figure 1). API specification
for rotary drilling equipment (API Sper i) gaging
practice is described in - w :. Briefly,
there *a a GO-CAGE that is ... inchee larger
than the nominal bit eize and a NO CO-CAGE that
is .002 inches smeller then the no=inal bit size
lees the negative tolerance. An acceptable fixed
cutter bit ie one that passea through the GO-GAGE
(bit is not oversize) and doea not pase through
the NO CO-GAGE (bit is not underaiza). 00 not use
, .er blt @gea to chock di~ter - roller bits
have positive tolerances and fixed cutter bits
have negative tolerance (Table 1).
Check tho IADC classification and the bit head
itsalf. Be sura the cutting structure is consis-
tent with the drilliag plan. Coneult with the
aenufacturer and your ouo tsnglneering group to
confirm the application. A fixed cutter bit is
only coat effective when proparly plied. Check
the bit hydraulic. Is the hydraulics desi~ of
the bit still c~istant withthecurreot drilling
plem? Ooea the TFA/nozzlee and gage stamped no
the bit correlate with the intended flow rate,
1
~ 1614b
driIletxing components, mud weight, and other
hole considerations?
Check the internal bore of the bit. Be sure it
is clear of foreign object-.,packing msterial,
and any other debris.
Verify that the API regular pin connection
(Table 2) on the bit will mate to the bit sub
box connection.
Uee the newly established 2AOC etandardizod bit
breaker (Table 3) to connect the bit tc=
drillstring. Fortunately, a bit breaker that
meeta the IAOC deeign and epecificaticna cm be
used interchangeably for all fixed cutter bits
of similar hole sizes.
Walk the connection in until the ahouldera of
both box and pin met. hy difficulty in doing
thie is an indication of a poaeible connection
problem that should be examined before proceed-
Torque the connection to the recomtended API
valuea (Table 4). Be sure to contact the bit
manufacturer for specific torque value recom-
mends tions.
Tripping In
After making up the bit on the BNA, guide the
bit through the blowout preventer and wellhead.
NOTR : Reduce pipe apeed and slowly run the bit
through the subeea stack.
Running in the hole with a fixed cutter bit
should be done with care. Unlike roller cone
bits, fixed cutter bfta can have an increaaed
surge pressure effect during tripping opera-
tion; therefore, all pipe movement should be
controlled and mud properties monitored.
Work the bit through tight spots, ledged areae,
key-seated eections carefully. Avoid ueing a
fixed cutter bit as a reamer as is reaaonebly
possible. However, when reaming is neceeaary,
uee maximum flew rate. Off bottnm the bit will
not be ef fIciently cooled and cleaned. Use
moderate rotary epeede to minimize cutting
element damage due to intermittent cutting.
Low bit weight should be used to avoid uoneces-
earily high loading of the gage and near-gage
cutting elemanta. Do not impact or ~ the bit
whi 1e reaming; work it through as emoothly aa
possible.
Wash the drill string d. -r bott- aa
dictated by hole cc se similar
parwtera as for ream. flow rate
and moderate rotary ex~le,
214000 WOB, circulate at . .t 50-60 RFN
for 2 to 3 minutes. This . ..<lPclean the
bottom of the hole of looee cuttings and insure
a clean cutting structure before drilling
ahead.
l!atablishinsa Uex Bottom-Role Pattern
once the bit bee tagged bottom, it is very
important to break it in properly to minimize
. . ., . . . .. =- -...... . . . . . ...,- . . . ..- . ------ . ..z. . -.. ..

the risk of damaging the cutting lements. The Increased cutter temperatures is a contributing
configuration of the bit face and bottomhole factor that cauaea premature bit failure when
assembly is, in -oat cases, quite different from hard abraaive formations are ncountered. It
the previous bit run. Therefore, the bottom-hole waa prswIoualy stated that high tempsraturee
profile and readings between the two (2) positions accelerate the wear rate of the cutting ele-
and how these readings are used to calculate the menta. WO uncontrollable factors that contri-
hydraulic lift force of a 12.25 inch bit. Notice bute to incraaaee in cutting lawectt tqrn-
the weight indicator ahowa 38000 lb. WOB in the tures re fo-t ion herdnese or abrasiveness
drilling position arid the calculated WOB ie only and cutterwear flat area. klltert a herd fonsz-
22050 lbs. tion is encountered and/or cutter wear flat
area increaeee due to bit dulling, increasing
The slsck-off -thod is a graphical technique bit Ioada are required to penetrete the rock in
where SPP is plotted as a function of WOB while order to maintain an acceptable ROP. An
the bit la lowered to bottom and drilling para- increaee in frictional heatln$ at the cutter/
natera are stablished. A significant increase in rock interface will occur, reeult
*$ n ;=:
SPP will occur when the bit tage bottom. The rate ted cutting elant t~eraturee .
of increase in SPP while the WOB ie increased will fore, a trade-off between penetration rate and
decline once the ptmp-of f force Ie xcaeded8 bit life way Itsve to be made. Ree~ded
Actual clack-off teet data shown in Figure 5 practice would be to decreaae WOB snd increase
demonstrates the relationship between SPP and WOB GPM or increaee WOB and GPM while reducing RPM.
as the drilling mode ia reached. ~is method is If an acceptable ROP cannot be maintained, the
also applicable when ueing a downhole motor-fIxed bit should be pulled.
cutter bit combination.
If a eoft eticky formation ie encountered while
Tests performed by !dfnters and Warren have also using a bit denigned for a medium or herd
shown that the bite effective pump-off area can formation, the formetien cuttinge will adhere
increase substantially as the diaond cutting to the bit face causing a eubetantial decrease
elemente veer. An evaluation using a 12.25 inch fa ROP. Cutter tsqerature, in aost casas, ie
bit showed thata 3arss imereaaala hpdraulielift Ztoz8 proua h *M* Sitoatktt
. meres 8*
force wes observed between the begiming and end the GPM and RPW while decreasing the WOB -y
of the mn. The effective pump-off area had allow the bit to clean itself. If the problem
increaeed from 15.3 to 25 equare inchee during the section ie not thick, theee paruetera My be
run. When the bit wae pulled, ~nly minor dieznmd sufficient to mxintain an acceptable ROP until
wear near the gage vaa obeerved . The raeulte of a firmer fomatlon la encountered. If not, the
this study clearly an acceptable ROP ie reached, bit should be pulled.

Optimizing operating parameters can now be accocep- Theee are broad examplee of the effects forma-
Iiahed through a drill-off tast. Once rangee for tion changes have on fixed cutter bits. Ifte
RPM al k013have been eatabliehed, a eeriee of WOB point le. that optimum operating parameters
and RPM parameters can be used to determine the will vary with chengee in foraxtion. Ths
optimum parametara neceesary to achieve the particular change fn formstion, type of bit
highest ROP. During the drill off test. monitor being run, and required bit perfom.ence will
cutting sizes on bottoms up. As WOB ia increased, deteraine if varying the operating parameters
the cutting size should be larger and when WOB will be efficient to keep the bit on bottom.
decreasea, the cutting size will be smeller.
Yield point shouid be monitored to ineure euffl- Recognizing Downhole Problems
cient hole cleaning ability during any drilling
operation. As with making adjuatment# in operating para-
wetere during tbe run, it is also &ortant to
Formation Changea recognize bit problems, and if poesible, take
appropriate action to laminate, or at least
Tl,e performance of fixed cutter bits can be reduce the problem that hea occurred. To
severely affected by a change in formation. accoaplleh this, close monitoring of bit
Formtion change can ueually be recognized by performance and operating paramatere are
obeeming a decrease or increaae in rotary torque. reqoired throughout the entire run.
Fixed cutter bits drill with a higher rotary
torque range than conventional roller cone bite. S- fixedcutter bite are designed with iztter-
chengseble no%xlee or perta. Thou@ the occur-
Rncountering a formation che@e can have other rence ie low, nozxlee or porta can becom
effects on bit performance. Accelerated cutter plugged. Wheo this occurs, n increaee In SPP,
wear can occur when bit encounters a hard and poaalbly @ reductlow in ROP WI 11 be ob-
abraeive formation. If a bit daaigm has inherent served. It ie poeaible to determine the ntmber
cleaning problems and a eoft eticky forgetion ie of nozzlee or Porte plugged by relating the
ncountered, a reduction in ROP may occur ceueing increeee in SPP to the new ffective nossle/
the bit to be pulled prsmzturely. Recognizing TFA. The appropriate action for thie sftuation
these eituations and mxking appropriate adjuet- would be to place the bit just off bottom nd
mente in WOB, RPM and GYM aay rAska the difference circulate for approximately 15 uinuteso If the
between an unaucceeeful or 8sr@nal run and an noxxlee or ports do not woplug and an aecapt-
econoaic eueceea. able ROP can be wint@sed, it my not be
neeeesary to pull the bit. flewavar, if it is
neceeeery to xubetantially reducethe GPW due
ea~
-.
4 DIAMOWD BIT NAND
to SPP limitations, one should monitor the mud
properties to insure adequate hole cleaning.
Bit balling may be occurring if a reduction in ROP
and bit torque is observed. An increase in SPP
maY alSO occur due to a fluid restriction forming
around the bit. The circulating technique used
for plugged n~zzles should be used in this sltus-
tion. In addition, rotating the bit at high RPN,
and if available, pumping an abrasive mud additive
aucb as a nut plug,across tbe bit while on bottom
should also aid in cleaning the bit. When return-
ing to bottom, the UN end RPN should be Increaeed
and the WOB should be reduced to a minimum. If
this procedure is not successful, it may be
necessary to pull the bit.
Solids cmttent of the drilling mud should be
monitored due to the varioua cutting size produced
by fixed cutter bits.
When the bit becomes dull or worn out, several
thinge may occur. If a ring-out occurs, ROP and
on bottom torque will drop significantly becauae a
large portion of your totting structure haa been
loet. When this happena the bit starts skidding
on bottom. A large increaae in SPP will also
occur if the fluid paths beco+aa restricted. In
this dtuatlgm, EOP amd torqwe do mot respond
an increeae in WOB.
Indications of a worn gage will be somewhat
different than a ring-out. If a slick bottom-hole
assembly is being run, a decreaae in ROP may be
observed. If atabilizera are used, a decreaae in
ROP and an increase in torque should be observed.
Ae the bit drills under gage hole, and when the
first stabilizer hits that under gege section, the
rotary torque will increaae and could very easily
stick the drill etring unleaa corrective action la
taken quickly.
Retunability is another reaaon why close moni-
toring of a fixed cutter bit during the run is
important. Therefore, identifying problems and
making the proper adjuetmenta quickly reduces the
chancea for severe damage to occur. The ability
to repair and rerun bits can be a very important
aapect when rseximizingtotal cost savinge.
Running Pixed Cutter Bita with Downhole Motors
A systems approach is required to ort imize the
performance of fixed cutter bits with downhole
matora. Understanding the interplay of eystem
variables, including fixed cutter bits, motors,
atabilizetion and hydraulic, la the key to
planning amd i~l~ting a motor drilling eyatem.
There are twa main types of mud motore - the
turbine and the positive displace-nt mater (PDtf)
and both uae pressure and flowrate to perform.
The turbine motor derives ita rotational energy
via the principles of Impulse and momentum, while
the PDN derivea its rotational energy by making
use of the essentially incompressible nature of
the drilling fluid and acts aa a positive dia-
placememt ~ in reveraa.
Sxcludinfi a targeted directional run amd aide-
tracka, the fourmoat comaonmotor run objectives
IG AND OPSRATION SPE/IADC 16144
are: (1) to increaae rate ROP; (2) to control
deviation; (3) to reduce caeing/dril1 pipe
wear; and (4) slim hole drilling operations.
To be auccesaful, firat analyze xieting rig
equipwient; for xample, maximum flowrates and
pressures for mud pumps and surface equipment.
This could be the limiting factor in the
upcoming =xor run. Next, review the well plan
to determine thu mud weight requirements. List
all possible wellbore problems to see how they
affect mmtor/bit conbinatioa performance. Also
review the type of formation anticipated,
because the difference from eoft to hard
forreetionwill af~ect bit selection. Bit type
and configuration.will affect downhole mntora
torque requirementa.
The T?A/mozzlee of bit should then be deter-
mined along with the desired operating para-
meters for maximum performance of the downhole
motor/bit combination.
Next identify the connection on the motor and
bit to have proper make-up torque values for
each connections. Alwaya use e 1ift-sub when
any type of motor is handled.
After making up the wtor - run in hole approx-
imately 30 feet and pick up the kelly to teat
to the motor (Xote: m mot haveer$ytypeof btt
on the aotor when taating inside the wellbore.)
Teat the motor at three different flwrates and
record the different pressure drope at each
flow rate (use this information to calculate
SPP). Pull the motor back out of hole and
make-up the bit and guide the mater/bit combi-
nation thrmugh the blowout preventer. If a
float sub is required, place it above the
motor.
The driller should be cautioned in controlling
the pipe speed while tripping in the hole. The
motor/bit combination could be damaged by
striking a bridge, ledge, or tight spot. These
obstructions can be drilled out by kicking in
the mud pump and reaming alnvly.
Wash the drill string to near bottom. As the
motorlbit combination tags bottom, a change in
SPP should be observed. (Note: PDf4 haa a
greater pressure differential on and off
bottom, compared to turbine which has a very
alight pressure differential on and off bot-
tom.) Be aware that WOB changes the operating
parameters of the motor.
The rigs SPP gauge allows the operator to know
hmw the mater/bit camblnation is perfoming.
Sy utlliziag this techr.iqwe, oae can record tbs
operating preaaure at given NOB rangaa unti1
the motor stalls out. Tltis exercise will
enable running an ffective drill off teet to
maximize ROP. Remember that the maximum-
efficiency for turbines la one-half the no-~~d
RPM and 85% of tha stall torque of the YOM * .
The performance of the motor la determined
largely by the condition In which it operates.
The following candiciona shorten mater life:
1) ebraaive solids
2) low aniline point on diesel (oil baae)
3) high bott~hole tqraturea
4) xceaaive weight 1oedintt
)
 JEPXY P. ALLAMON . TER !4CKOWN, DOUGLASS HILL
SPE/IADC 16144 BSNJAJ41NA. BROOKS, BRUCE BAYOUD. - J. WINTERS 5

During the drilling operation, monitor the CPM and NOHENCLATVRE

SPP to help identify possible downhole problems,
SPP and ROP changes could be the only indication
of motor or bit problems. AV . Annular Velocity, fpm
ADP . Available Dounhole Pressure, PSI
Additional supervision is required at the drill- Aofl * Available Dowohole Horsepower, hp
eite to help optimize total performance. AMP . Availebla Motor Preaaur , PSI
. 9
bhp Rydraulic Roroapowr/Ilt
Succe#aful execution of n dovnhole ~-?or/fixed Iwo . Motor Iforaepower,hp
cutter bit program dapends largely on establishing !4 . Hotor Speed, REN/141N
lines of cotmnunication among the operator, dril- Mo . Motor Operating Speed, RSN/FfIN
ling contractor, bit xnofacturer and the motor NR . Motor Runaway gpeod, SBVIMIN
supplier. The coat comparison and the optimized P . Penetration of Diamond Into ForM-
hydraulic are the fundamental b.ssia for eetitast- tion, IN
ing coat-effectiva operationa. Once drilling haa PD . Preamzre Drop Across Bit, PSI
begun, continued exchange of data la essential Pn . Pressure Drop Across !fotor,PSI
since hole conditions often change and drilling PPP . Power Producing Pressure, PSI
requirements must be eiodifiedaccordingly. Pv . Plaatic Vieeo8ity, CP
Q . Circulation %ata, gallmin
The enclosed list of references, though by no R . Ratio (Role Dia - Pipe D::), IN
means a coetplete listing, should be reviewed to T . Motor Torqua, YT/LBg-
addreas specific questions with detail specific To . Hotor Opsrating Torque, PT/LBS
diacuaaion need-d in optimizing bit, motor/bit Tg . Motor Stall Torque, FT/LBS
performance. TFA . Bit Total F1OU Area, gQ/IN
v . Average Bit Velocity, PT/SffC
Vc . Critical Annular Valocity, fPt4
w . I&mdotu Single Diawztd, LBS
Fixed cutter bita require epecial handling and Wb . Bearing Aaedly AxI1l Thtumt, LBS
care to prevent damage that can affect parfor- W9 . Wtor Aaaeably Asia] Thruet, LBg
mence. UT . Bearing Aeadly ArA81 Throat, LBS
WOB . Weight on Bit, IX
Fixed cutter bits require extra consideration YP . Yield Pb mr OP MUD, PSI/100 ftz
concerning operating parameters to optimize s . MUD Deaaity, LBS/Gal
perfomsnce. ROP . Rate of Penetration, FT/llR
SPP . Standpipe Preaeure
Motor usage can further enhance perfomence when RPM . Revolution Per Minute
properly applied. BNA . Bottem-Role Assembly

Thorough planning and centinuoua review -

increaaed supervision - will improve chances of
auccesa of fixed cutter bits and motor/bit combi-
nation.

Several useful techniques are already available to

help improve the chances of euficessful fixed
cu:ter bits and motor/bit performance.
 ------ ------ -------- ------ -- ------- . . -, --- . ..=-

REFERENCES
14. Melton, S.H.: Hydrsulic Ltft nn Diamond
Drill Bits, MS fheais, Unfvereity of
Tulsa (1970).
1. Glovka, D.A. and Stone, C.Ft. : Effects of
Thermal and Mechanical Loading on ?DC Bit 15. DeLucia, F.: Diamond Bits/System Hydrau-
Life, paper SPE 13257 presented at 59th lics, Oil h Gaa Journal, presented April
Aonual Tech. Conf. and Ex., Houston, Sept. 16, 1984.
1984.
16. Emery. H.: Planning & Executtng a
2. Hibbs, L.E., Jr. and Lee, M.: Some Aepects Straight-Hole Mud-Motor Drilling Program,
of the Wear of Polycryatalline Diamon4 Toole Oil 6 Cas Journal, reprinted September 28,
in Rock Removal Proc@8sts, W?ar, Vol. 66, 1981.
1978.
17. Rutery, M.: Optimizing Motor Drilling
3. Lee, H. and Iiibba, L.E., Jr.: Role of System, SPE12ADC 11404 presented Pebruary
Deformation Ikin Bands in the Wear Proceaaea 20, 1983.
of Polycrystalline Dianmnd Tools, Wesr of
Hateriala. Ludm, Ed, K.C., Glaeaer. U. A., 18. !.ukar, S. E.: %traight-iloleMotors Are
snd Rhse, S. K., ASME Publ. 1979, pp. Operational Reality, Oil b Caa Journal,
485-491. reprinted March 9, 1981.

4. Glowka, D.A. snd Stone. C.M.: The Thermal 19. Dyer, R.S.: Bit Optfmfzstion for Poai-
Response of Polycryatslline Diawnd Coqact tive-Dlsplacemettt Motors, SPE 12909
Cutters Under SfmulstedDovnhoid Condition, preaentsd lfay21, 1984.
paper SPE 11967 presented st 5Sth Annual
Tech. Conf. and Ex., Sao $rancfaco, Ott. 20. DeLucie, F.V. snd Herbert, R.P.: PD?4ve
19s3. TurboDrill, SPE 13026 prsaented September
16, 19S4.
5. Koakia, E.T., Jr.: Co900-Senaa Measures
Improve FIX Sit Perfo~nce, World Oil, Vol. 2). Rarbert, P.: ~ril Iing with Wsv-Ganer-
195, No. 4, Sept.. 1982, pp., 91-102. stion PDM$StO,SPE 10239, pressnted October
5, 1981.
6. Winters, W.J. and Wsrren, T.?f.: Laboratory
Study of Diaiaond-Bit ffydraulic Lift, SPE 22. Tschrky, J.E.: Nev Development in
i?rilling Engineering, Auguet 19S6, pop. , Dovnhole ?fotora for Improved Drll1ing
2fi7-276. Performance, Journal of Petroleum Tech-
nology, July 197S,
7. Winters, W.J. and Ifarren,T.M.: Variations
in Bydraulic Lift with Dismond Bits, paper 23. Wfntera, W.J. and DoIron, H.H.: The 19S7
SPlf10960 presented st 57th Annual Fall Tech. IADC Pixed Cutter Bit Claaaification
Conf. and 2x., New Orleans, Sept. 1982. System, SPE/IADC 16142, presented at the
1987 SPE/2ADC Drilling Conference, March
s. Winters, W.J. and Warren, T.M.: Field 15-1S, 1987, New Orleans.
Application of Diamond-Bit Hydraulic Lift
Principles, SPE DrillinS En@neering, August 24. Clark, D.A. et al. : Applicstinn of the
1986, pp., 277-287. New IAOC Dull Grsdin.g Syetea for Fixsd
Cutter Bits, SPE/IADC 16145, preeented st
9. Glouka, D.A. and Ortega, A. : Frictio..al the 1987 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference,
Heating end Convective Cnoling of Polycrystsl- March 15-18, 19S7, Nev Orleans.
Durina Reck Cuttinfl.
iine Dlsmond Drag TtY>l -.

I
Soc . Pet. Eng~. J., Apr~l 19s4, pp. ,
121-128.

10. Herbert, P.: Turbodrilling in Geothermal I

Environaant SPE 9936 presented in March,
19s1.

11. Foret, G.: Tha Application of UUD Motore,

SPE 11842 presented Hay 23, 1983.

12. Patsraon, J.L.: Diewnd Drilling 140del

Verified in Field snd Laboratory Tests,
Journal of Petroleum Technology (February
1976).

13. Dellinger, T.B.: Dknd Bit Drilling

Resesrch, Journsl of Engineerinfj for
Industry, February 1973.
 Amerisan Petroleum 1nstitute
Spec 7: Rotary Drilling Equipment TABLE 1 American Patdaum lnstituta
Spec I Rotary Drilling Equipment TABLE 2

SECTION7
SECTION7
DRILLINGAND CORINGB~
DRILLINGAND CORINGBITS

DIAMOND DRILLING BITS, DIAMOND CORE

BITS AND POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND
COMPACT (PDC) BITS 7.6 Diamond Drilling Bit and PDC Connections.
Dinmond drilling bits nd PDC bits shall be furnished
7.S Diamond Bit Tolerances. Diamond drilling bita. with the sise and style pin connections shown in Table
diamond.core bits d polycrystalline diamond compact
~~~~Jl~~3shs11 be subject to the OD tolerances shown 7.4. All connection threads shall be right hand.
. .
TABLE 7.4
TABLE 793 DIAMOND DRILLING BIT AND PDC
DIAMOND DRILLING. DIAMOND CORE AND BIT CONNECTIONS
PDC BIT TOLERANCES 1 2 a
Sisootlt

Watinal
d!t!~X %!L%wI~jnDS
$ & to 4%, incl. 2% REG 3A
Bit Sizes OD, OD Tolemtce.] 43! to 6, incl. :? S: 8if
incltea 6s$ to 7%, incl. 4&
743 to 9%, incl. 4% REG 644
:8 a#yn&t +0, -0.016 9N to 1434, kcl. 6% REG 7U
+0, 4.020 14* to 18%, incl. 7% REG 8Ji
9db to 18%, m. +0, 4MIS0 18* and larger 8% REG 9u _
133i to 17%, kl. +0, -0.046
1743 and larger +0, -0.06s
It is recagnimt that certain pplications may warrant the
manufacture of PDC bits to tolerances other than those
shown in Tsble 7.3. When manufactured, such bits are con-
sidered outside the ssope of this specification.
 TABLE

-*1 I units i. I.che*--

MAKE-UP TOROUE FOR
(A) 1 (B) [c) FIXED CUTTER BITS
Bu.AKI Iw . BtcAKct
cmt311ic
brl PIm 12comxnocn SU6MX O.D. sum M1m Inlancss DIMENSIW
Iw BIT 1121 MMCK MMw. . .0623 . .0625 .l-.06?3-
Torquo Valvoa
1 m be. 3.6$ - 6.\ 3.2s - $.15 1.61S 1.75 1.87s
TOOI Joint Typo Ft - Lbs u
1 118 89s. 4.s3 - $.e 3.63 - 4.13 3.0 1.7s 2.0

J lla Uq. 5.a3 - 1.38 4.$ - 3.0 6.9 1.15 1.> 2.3/8 API Rog 3500 490
k 112 ma. 7.6L - %38 6.0 - 1.0 3.13 Z.o ).3?s 2.7/8- API Rog 700U 970
b 5/8 Beg. 9.61 - 16.% 8.0 - 10.0 1.0 1.0 4.3 3.1/2= API Rq) 9000 1250
4.1/2. API Rog 1s500 2140
1 $/8 *. 14.56 - 10.$ 9.13 - 13.0 1.3 2.5 5.125
9.0 2.5 6.% 6. S/8 APl R6g 32000 4430
8 3!8 bl. a 1s.36 1).0 16.0 ?.5 U.J 7. S/8- API Rog 46000 8220

w
NOTES:
cwTERi$6
AIMEMSION 1. Torquo Valuoa Aaaumo The Use Of A Thread
SHANK aa Compound Containing 40-60% By Weight Of
Finely Powdered Zinc Or 60% Finely Powdered
Metalllc Lead, With Not More Than 0.3% Total
$ulfur Applled Thoroughly To All Threada
am wor
And Shoulders
MAX 0uf4Kf.
7H/CKiVESS 2. Normal Torgue Range la The Tabulated Value
f3&fiwER
SLOt MOTH Plus 10%

3. ~ocommended Torque Valves Are Baaed On A

A.i!X. Compilation Of Several Fixed Cutter Bit
cou.wcrm Man factures Recommended Valves

TABLE 4
 .4

American Petroleum Institute

Spec 7: ROlmy Drilling Equipment

SECTXON 7 FIQURE 1
lMtILLING AND CX)~G BiIS

7.7 Diamond Bit and PDC Bit Gaging. In field

gaging diamond bits the following dimensions and
practice are recommended:
& Gs~ Specitieetk Go and NO (%
ehouldbe mekatedmtiiamg. m!s
8e deeeribedbelow:
(1) GO arid No Go
fatited rrvm 1 TtiYitl!!&%
equal b nominal bit size PIUS l% k
(~) *Go ~ ID A- ~ ~ ~t d=
glB&u22h. cl~ *** tiieralteeof
. .
(3) No G& ~ ID ekld equal minimum
bitdze amninel lees meximrx ~@be
tolerance I mime 0.003h interfmnee with
a~of+&-0A9&
k Gadns **h @& ead ~0 Go gage,
should be ueed u follows:
(1) If accephbte, tbe product bitebuld enter
tbe Go g8ga (Pro&t not too lerge).
(a) If fee let the product bit should not
e No Go gage (Product not b
emd).
(S) Mb the Go d No Go gaSW ebould
be within 20 F of the 8une tembp:~.
the bit or roreheed for accure .
ment.
~ .q

ptolsrmm., + ,= p--m7wc+ls-+

FIG. 7.1
DIAMONDBIT AND PDC BIT
GAGE DIMENSIONS
(All dimeusione in inrhee)
 *

i
0,

C4
 0 10 43 $
wei&uMit, %0 lb.

mJlwE~Monm
mlcMmwTRrmccunvEs
TYPJr#ils%#HsklsE--
ATcaBIMTRIJRl asmAn$E
ArwmAnTRlRo15aimE
NO.*
AImnuDIEHIrY
,ItPm

SPEEo (N)
 (davl 3wss3w 310HNmw 313vllw
4

>,,
..
E

!!
>->
:<
. .
>
I
II
.:.
.>.
.,.
>

Ii
!/M
El

ill .