PDC Bit Classification According
to Steerability
S. Menand, SPE, and H. Sellami, SPE, Armines/Ecole des Mines de Paris, and C. Simon, SPE, DrillScan
Summary
With the emergence of rotary steerable systems (RSSs), the tech-
nical issue concerning bit design for a specific directional appli-
cation has reappeared. Today, a bit must be specifically designed
for use with a particular directional system: rotary bottomhole
assembly (BHA), steerable mud motor, or RSS. The reason is that
the bit must have the ability to respond properly and rapidly to a
side force applied by the steering system to initiate a deviation. To
do so, the bit must have a predetermined steerability compatible
with the directional system to provide the optimum dogleg potential.
The new generation of directional-drilling systems differenti-
ates pointing the bit from pushing the bit. As a consequence,
the bits directional response is a key factor that operators and
directional drillers need to know to make a good adaptation
between the bit and the BHA. However, at the moment there is
no standard method for classifying bits by steerability and walk-
ing tendency.
On the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the directional
behavior of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits (numeri-
cal simulation and pilot and field tests), a simple methodology has
been developed that defines and evaluates their steerability and
walking tendency. This methodology is used to classify the PDC
bits defined with their IADC bit profile codes.
Because PDC bit steerability is mainly a function of the bit
profile, the gauge cutters, and the gauge pad, some design recom-
mendations are given concerning these three parts. For each IADC
bit profile code, the bit steerability and walking tendency are es-
timated through some formulas linking only the heights and
lengths of the cutting profile. Some guidelines are also given about
the gauge-pad length and gauge-cutter characteristics to achieve
improved steerability.
This simple method based on geometrical criteria allows quick
estimation of not only the PDC bit steerability but also the maxi-
mum dogleg potential achievable by the bit when it is coupled with
the steering system.
Introduction
It is well recognized today that the directional behavior of a drill-
ing system is a complex coupling of bit directional responsiveness
and mechanical behavior of the directional system, but a possible
rock-formation effect1 (anisotropy) must also be considered. This
paper focuses on the directional behavior of PDC bits character-
ized by their walk tendency and steerability.
A previous paper2 noted that the bit steerability and walk ten-
dency were mainly a function of the bit profile and gauge-cutter
and -pad characteristics. In this paper, we propose a simple meth-
odology to classify PDC bits defined by their IADC bit profile
codes (shown in Fig. 1). This methology is based on a recent study
of the directional behavior of PDC bits on the basis of theoretical
models, numerical simulation, and pilot and field trials.2
Background
Definition. The directional behavior of a PDC bit is generally
characterized by its walk tendency and steerability. To quantify the
Copyright 2004 Society of Petroleum Engineers
This paper (SPE 87837) was revised for publication from paper SPE 79795, first presented
at the 2003 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, 1619 February, Amsterdam. Original manu-
script received for review 7 May 2003. Revised manuscript received 7 January 2004. Paper
peer approved 9 January 2004.
March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion
walk tendency, Ho3 introduced the walk angle, which is the angle
measured in a plane perpendicular to the bit axis, between the
direction of the side force applied to the bit and that of the lateral
displacement of the bit.2 The walk angle quantifies the intrinsic
azimuthal behavior of the PDC bit.
Bit steerability (BS) corresponds to the ability of the bit,
submitted to lateral and axial forces, to initiate a lateral devia-
tion. The bit steerability can be defined as the ratio of lateral vs.
axial drillability.
Dlat
BS = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Dax
The lateral drillability (Dlat) is defined as the lateral displacement
per bit revolution vs. the side force. The axial drillability (Dax) is
the axial penetration per bit revolution vs. the weight on bit
(WOB). The BS (equivalent to the bit anisotropic index3,4) is gen-
erally in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 for most PDC bits, depending on
the cutting profile, gauge cutters, and gauge-pad characteristics, as
evaluated here. High steerability for a bit implies a strong propen-
sity for lateral deviation, enabling maximum dogleg potential.
Bit Design. The PDC bit should have some stabilization and
durability requirements as well as the ability to respond properly
and rapidly to a side force applied by the steering system to initiate
a deviation. To do so, the bit must have a steerability compatible
with the directional system. The design of the bit should consider
the three parts (see Fig. 2) that interact with the rock formation
the cutting structure (mainly the cutting profile and back-rake
angle), the active gauge (gauge cutters or trimmers), and the pas-
sive gauge (conventionally called the gauge pad).
Cutting Profile. A recent study2 has shown that the steerability
of a PDC cutting structure depends greatly on the bit profile; the
flatter the profile, the more steerable the bit is. The authors also
found that the walk angle of a PDC cutting structure can be ap-
proximated by a simple equation linking the inner cone depth, C;
the outer structure height, G; and the PDC back-rake angle (c).2
2C G
CS = arctan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
tanc + fC + G
Eq. 2 is appropriate only for bits with identical back-rake angles
along the bit profile and indicates that the walk tendency (right,
neutral, and left) of the cutting structure is defined through the
inner cone depth, C, and the outer structure height, G.
G > C : left walking tendency.
G C : neutral walking tendency.
G < C : right walking tendency.
Note that it is easy to extend Eq. 2 to take into account a
gradual increase of the back rake from the inner cone to the gauge.
OHare and Aigbekaen5 conducted a study to evaluate the di-
rectional responsiveness of various bit profiles that were classified
according to IADC codes. The authors give some guidelines on
IADC bit profile codes to measure the bits tendency to achieve
particular build and walk rates. For example, deep-coned PDC bits
(IADC bit profile types 1, 4, and 7) tend to be directionally stable,
and single-cone bits (IADC bit profile types 6 and 9) tend to be
directionally isotropic (responsive in any direction). Even though
these general rules are helpful for selecting PDC bits, it is known
that the directional behavior of a PDC bit is not the only parameter
in the well-deviation process.2 Moreover, bit steerability depends
5
 Fig. 1IADC bit profile codes.
not only on the bit profile but also on the gauge characterictics
(gauge cutters and pad).
Barton4 made some numerical simulations on different bit pro-
files to calculate the anisotropic index (equivalent to the BS). The
author observed that the steerability increases as the length of the
taper decreases and that flat bit profiles produce the highest aniso-
tropic indices.
Back-Rake Angle. Some contradictions exist among authors
about the role of the back-rake angle in bit steerability. Some
authors5 recommend choosing an aggressive back rake (low angle)
to reduce steerability and a less aggressive one (high angle) to
improve steerability. Barton4 observed from numerical simulations
that the anisotropic index of a particular bit profile decreased by
8% when the back-rake angle was increased from 20 to 30, mean-
ing that the bit is less steerable with a high back-rake angle.
In fact, when the back-rake angle changes, the lateral and axial
drillabilities, respectively, do not change in the same proportion.
The axial drillability is more affected by a back-rake angle change;
thus, bit steerability (ratio of lateral to axial drillability) increases
when the back-rake angle increases.
Gauge Cutters. The general perception is that the steerability
of the bit increases with the number of gauge cutters5 (or trim-
mers). This statement contradicts a recent study2 showing that for
three different bit profiles, the highest steerability was observed for
the bit with fewer gauge cutters. However, despite improved steer-
ability, diminishing the number of gauge cutters may cause the bit
to lose gauge because of the higher load per cutter.6
The active gauge formed by the PDCs truncated-at-bit diam-
eter constitutes the transition zone between the cutting structure
and the passive gauge. On most designs, these trimmers are pre-
flatted and provide two contact surfaces with the rock, a cutting
face and a frictional surface, as shown in Fig. 3. New designs4
involve full-round cylinder PDC cutters (instead of conventional
preflatted gauge cutters) that reduce the friction surface with the
borehole, thus increasing the lateral cutting ability. The side-
6 March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion
cutting ability of an active gauge depends greatly on the total
friction surface involved during the cutting process. The higher the
friction surface (a great number of preflatted trimmers or wear on
gauge cutters), the less steerable the bit is. To penetrate the side of
the borehole, an amount of side force corresponding to the friction
forces generated on the friction surface must be consumed before
a lateral penetration of the bit occurs.
Gauge Pad. Often, the critical and controversial factor for
PDC bit selection is gauge length.4,68 What length should be
selected? The general perception is that a long gauge is not favor-
able to deviate a well and that a conventional short and aggressive
gauge (less than 1.5 in.) is often preferred to provide side cutting.
These short-gauge designs may lead to poor borehole quality, with
irregularities, ledges, and hole spiraling.9,10 On the contrary, long-
gauge designs prevent hole spiraling and bit whirl with improved
stability and produce good hole quality but are detrimental to the
side-cutting ability. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that
good steerability could be obtained with appropriate stabilizer
placement, bend angle, and motor distance, even with a long-gauge
bit11 in the case of a steerable BHA and the point-the-bit systems
generally used with an extended-gauge bit.
The design of a gauge pad for an RSS depends on the principle
of the drilling systempoint the bit or push the bit. Generally, a
short gauge is used as standard for the push-the-bit systems, al-
though a long gauge is preferred for the point-the-bit ones because
it requires less side-cutting action.12
Synthesis. From these last considerations, we see that no quan-
tified guidelines for optimization and selection of bit steerability
yet exist. Even though the directional behavior of a drilling system
is a complex coupling between the directional system and the bit,
it is well accepted that bit steerability plays a great role in the
deviation process. This is why we have developed a simple meth-
odology to estimate the steerability of the bit by its profile and
gauges. We also propose a classification of PDC bit profiles ac-
cording to steerability and some guidelines for gauge design.
 Fig. 2Geometrical characterization of a PDC bit.
Methodology
Geometrical Description. The cutting structure of a PDC bit (see
Fig. 2) defines the cutting profile, which can be divided into two
parts according to the IADC classification,13 the inner cone (height
C) and the outer structure (height G). Define LIC and LOG as the
lengths of the inner cone and the outer structure profile, and cC
and cG as the average of the inner cone and the outer structures
back-rake angles, respectively. LC and LG are the lengths that
locate the position of the nose from the bit axis (Fig. 2).
The active gauge (Fig. 3) is defined by its length, LAG; its
number of trimmers, NAG; its trimmer back-rake angle, cAG; and
its rock-friction surface, SfAG, equal to the sum of the individual,
preflatted trimmer friction surfaces.
The passive gauge (see Fig. 4) can have many design features.
The main passive-gauge characteristics are the length, LPG; the
circumferential coverage, cPG (depending on the number of blades
and the blades spiral angle); the surface roughness (smooth, such
as low-friction, or aggressive gauge pads, depending on the car-
bide or diamond insert type for protection); and the gauge diam-
eter, PG (full gauge or undergauge). All these parameters define
a friction surface, SfPG, with the borehole. This friction surface is
characterized in the laboratory by a directional drilling bench,2
allowing a rock sample to be drilled with a full-scale bit under both
WOB and lateral force. This surface can be related to the gauge-
pad length:
SfPG = k LPG, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)
March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion
in which k a function of circumferential coverage, cPG;
the number of blades; the gauge diameter, PG; and the sur-
face roughness.
Warning. The steerability of a PDC bit depends mainly on the
side force applied to the bit and the rock strength.2 Because of the
frictional forces generated on the gauges (active and passive
gauges), the side force has to overcome a given friction force
before the bit penetrates laterally.
A complete 3D rock/bit interaction model has been developed
and validated in numerous laboratory tests with full-scale PDC
bits. We present a simplified model using only geometric criteria
and assuming the following points.
During the drilling process, the lateral penetration of the bit
per revolution is very small.
On the basis of a comparison with the 3D rock/bit interaction
model, the forces generated on the chamfered edge of the PDC
cutters are negligible.
Because steerability is assumed to be constant when the side
force changes, the simple method developed can be used only for
relative comparison of PDC bit designs. An accurate calculation of
the bit steerability through the 3D rock/bit model is recommended
if a trajectory prediction is to be made.
However, when considering only the cutting structure of the bit
(bit profile), its steerability can be considered independent of the
side force and the rock strength.
The formulas presented here for evaluating the walking ten-
dency can be considered as a good approximation.
7
 Fig. 3Description of the active gauge (trimmers).

Formulas. As discussed previously, the walk angle of a PDC

cutting structure can be approximated by a simple equation linking
the inner cone depth, C; the outer structure height, G; and the PDC 1
tanc + f C +
2
D2
16
+
1

G +2
D2
16
1

BSCS = D2 ,
back-rake angle, c (see Eq. 2). If the back-rake angle is not 8 tan2c + f
identical along the bit profile (for example, in the case of a gradual C + G + G C
2 2

back-rake increase from the inner cone to the gauge), the walk 4
angle can be approximated by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5)

2cC C cG G
CS = arctan , . . . . . (4)
tancC + fcC C + tancG + fcG G
in which cC and cGthe average back-rake angles in the inner
cone and the outer structure, respectively. From Eq. 4, one notices
that a less aggressive inner cone (cChigh) and an aggressive
outer structure (cGlow) increase the right tendency or decrease
the left tendency of the bit cutting structure.
If the back-rake angles are the same (ccCcG), it is
possible to derive the following simple equation for the steerability
of the bit profile (cutting structure).
in which Dthe bit diameter (see the Appendix for details).
From Eq. 5, one notices that the BSCS increases when:
c increases.
f increases.
C decreases.
G decreases.
D increases (with fixed C and G).
The rise of the bit profile steerability with an increase in c or
f does not seem intuitive. As indicated previously, this increase is
caused by lateral and axial drillabilities not changing in the same
proportion as the back-rake angle does.
The previous formulas concern only the cutting structure of the
PDC bit (profile and back-rake angles). To consider the whole bit,
it is necessary to include the active and passive gauges. The walk
angle of a complete PDC bit with an identical back-rake angle
along the bit profile (ccCcGcAG) can be estimated by
the following expression (see the Appendix).

LAG + LPG tanf

2C G SfAG + SfPG
4

= arctan
LAG + LPG SfAG + SfPG
tanc + f C + G + +
4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6)

Fig. 4Description of the passive gauge (gauge pad).
Note that Eqs. 5 and 6 can easily be generalized for the case
cCcGcAG.
We can observe from Eq. 6 that if the friction forces are pre-
dominant, the walk angle is very close to the friction angle be-
tween the PDC bit and the rock. Some directional tests carried out
in the laboratory of E cole des Mines de Paris have shown that the
walk angle of PDC bits with passive gauge lengths greater than 1
in. remains in the range of 5 to 17 (left tendency), depending on
the rock type and mud properties.
The steerability of the complete bit is proportional to a geo-
metric function, as follows:

8 March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion

 1
BS D2
tanc + f C +
2
D2
16
+
1

G +2
D2
16
1

.
profiles (IADC profile codes 1, 2, and 3) exhibit a left tendency,
although profiles with a deep cone (IADC profile codes 7 and 8)
have a right tendency. However, as shown in a previous paper,2 the
8 walking tendency of most PDC bits is greatly infuenced by active

tan2c + f and passive gauges and exhibits a left tendency with a walk angle
C + G2 + G C2
4 close to the friction angle between the bit metal and the drilled rock.
4SfAG2 + SfPG2
+ 1 + tan2 f Gauge Guidelines. Bit steerability decreases as the gauge length
2 increases. This statement, as observed in the field and the labora-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7) tory, can be quantified with Eq. 7. Fig. 5 shows the steerability of
From this formula, one can clearly see that the longer the gauge a bit with only a cutting structure (IADC profile code 5) and an
pad is (greater friction surface, SfPG), the less steerable the bit. Any active gauge. The values of bit steerability are calculated for a
friction generated at the gauge-pad level reduces bit steerability. If given side force and rock strength and should be used only for
the gauge pad is undergauge, BS increases because the friction comparison purpose. Whatever the trimmer type (rounded or pre-
surface, SfPG, with the borehole is dramatically reduced. flatted), bit steerability decreases as the number of trimmers in-
The assumptions allow the formulation of simple equations to creases. However, there is a major difference between rounded and
predict both bit steerability and walk tendency. These assump- preflatted trimmers because the steerability of a bit equipped with
tions are validated with a 3D rock/bit interaction model.3 As in- 10 trimmers is 6 times higher when the trimmers are rounded than
dicated previously, the steerability of the bit profile can be when they are preflatted. As mentioned earlier, the high friction
considered independent of the side force and the rock strength. surface, SfAG, generated on preflatted trimmers reduces bit steer-
Table 1 presents the measured steerability and the calculated val- ability. The rounded trimmers may be considered an extension of
ues with the 3D rock/bit model and the geometric method of three the taper of the bit profile.
bit profiles (the characteristics of these three profiles are presented A high back-rake angle (typically greater than 30) is generally
in Table 2). The steerability calculated with the geometrical chosen for most conventional PDC bit designs to reduce the risk of
method is given by Eq. A-6 and constitutes a good approximation cutter failure when the bit is subjected to lateral vibrations. Even
of the steerability. though the cutting forces on each trimmer are generally negligible
relative to friction forces (during the drilling process, the lateral
PDC Bit Classification depth of cut per bit revolution is very small), an increase in the
IADC Bit Profile Codes. The IADC bit profile codes allow clas- back-rake angle slightly reduces the steerability of the bit.
sification profiles according to the relation between the inner cone Fig. 6 shows the bit steerability as a function of gauge-pad
depth (C), the outer structure height (G), and the bit diameter (D). length for a PDC bit with an IADC code profile of 5. The values
From these three parameters, we have seen that we could estimate of bit steerability are calculated for a given side force and rock
the steerability and the walking tendency of the bit cutting struc- strength and should be used only for comparison. Notice that bit
ture (Eqs. 2 and 5). steerability decreases significantly with an increase in the gauge-
pad length. It is also interesting to note that bit steerability does not
Bit Profile Steerability. Table 3 presents a classification of PDC seem to depend on the number of trimmers used when the gauge-
bit profiles according to their steerability. The steerability of the bit pad length is greater than 1 in. This observation is also true for the
profiles has been calculated with the following parameters. bit profile. The steerability of a PDC bit is almost unaffected by the
f12. profile type, depending mainly on gauge characteristics, as shown
ccCcG20.
For each code, we have varied the inner cone depth (C) and the
outer structure height (G) in the range of variation defined in the
IADC classification.14 We suggest attributing a steerability code,
ranging from 1 (least steerable) to 9 (most steerable), to each
profile code, depending on BSCS extrema calculated with Eq. 5.
Observe that the IADC profile code 9, corresponding to side-
track designs, has the highest steerability, although long-taper de-
signs (IADC profile codes 1, 2, and 3) have the lowest. Generally,
the longer the taper (or the deeper the cone), the less steerable the
profile is. According to Eq. 6, we notice also that a friction-angle
increase between the PDC bit and the rock leads to a slight in-
crease in bit steerability. As evoked earlier, an increase in the
back-rake angle along the entire bit profile produces an increase in
the bit-profile steerability.
Note that the proposed classification does not change if the
back-rake-angle distribution along the profile is similar on the nine
profiles considered.

Bit Profile Walk Tendency. Table 3 presents the walk tendency

of the nine IADC profile codes. It is well known that the parabolic

March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion 9

in Fig. 7, which presents splitting a 500-daN lateral force as ap-
plied to Bit C. We observe that an insignificant side force is
consumed by the bit profile (cutting structure) compared with the
84% consumed by the gauge pad (full gauge).
To reduce the friction surface, SfGP, the diameter of the gauge
pad may be reduced (undergauge gauge pad). This leads to a
significant increase in the bit steerability. However, this kind of
design can be detrimental to bit stability and borehole quality.
Conclusions
Through a comprehensive analysis of the directional behavior of
PDC bits, a geometrical method has been developed to evaluate the
steerability and the walking tendency of a given PDC bit. We have
presented a classification of PDC bit profiles according to their
steerability for the nine profile codes defined in the IADC classi-
fication and some guidelines about gauge designs, allowing the
desired bit steerability to be achieved quickly and easily.
The lateral drillability as well as the steerability of the bit are
not constant with the side force. The simple formulas presented in
this paper do not take into account the effect of side force on bit
steerability. Thus, these formulas can be used to compare different
PDC bit designs under the same operating conditions to select the
most appropriate for a given directional application.
The following conclusions can be drawn.
1. The steerability of a PDC bit is greatly influenced by any fric-
tion generated on the gauges. The longer the gauge, the less
steerable the bit. The friction surface of the trimmers (preflatted
or rounded) significantly influences the bit steerability.
2. An increase of the back-rake angle of the PDC cutters along the
bit profile increases the steerability.
Fig. 5Steerability of cutting structure + active gauge as a function of the number of trimmers.
10
Finally, it should be emphasized that an accurate calculation of bit
steerability through the 3D rock/bit model is necessary to predict
correctly the directional behavior of the drilling system. Moreover,
one should not forget that the bit tilt angle also has an effect on the
deviation process, which has not yet been completely understood.
Nomenclature
BS bit steerability, dimensionless
BSCS bit steerability of cutting structure, dimensionless
c inner cone depth, L, mm
cPG circumferential coverage of passive gauge,
dimensionless
C inner cone depth, L, mm
D bit diameter, L, mm
Dax axial drillability, L/m/rev, (mm/Mg)/rev
Dlat lateral drillability, L/m/rev, (mm/Mg)/rev
G outer structure height, L, mm
k a function of circumferential coverage, L, mm
LAG active-gauge length, L, mm
LC inner cone length, L, mm
LG outer structure length, L, mm
LIC inner cone profile length, L, mm
LOG outer structure profile length, L, mm
LPG passive gauge length, L, mm
NAG trimmers number, dimensionless
SfAG total friction surface of the active gauge, L2, mm2
SfPG total friction surface of the passive gauge, L2, mm2
UC uniaxial compressive strength, m/Lt2, MPa
March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion
 Fig. 6Bit steerability (complete bit) as a function of the gauge-pad length.
bit walk angle, rad, degrees
CS walk angle of the cutting structure, rad, degrees
c back-rake angle, rad, degrees
cAG average back-rake angle of the trimmers, rad, degrees
cC average back-rake angle in the inner cone, rad, degrees
cG average back-rake angle in outer structure, rad, degrees
f friction angle between PDC bit and rock, rad, degrees
PG passive-gauge diameter, L, mm
References
1. Simon, C.: Modelisation of PDC bit directional behaviour in aniso-
tropic formation, PhD dissertation of E cole des Mines de Paris, Paris
(1996).
2. Menand, S. et al.: How the Bit Profile and Gauges Affect the Well
Trajectory, paper SPE 74459 presented at the 2002 IADC/SPE Drill-
ing Conference, Dallas, 2628 February.
3. Ho, H.S.: Method and System of Trajectory Prediction and Control
using PDC Bits, U.S. Patent 5,456,141 (10 October 1995).
Fig. 7Theoretical splitting up of a 500-daN lateral force ap-
plied to Bit C (gauge pad = 2 in.) in the Vosges sandstone (UCS
= 40 MPa).
March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion
4. Barton, S.: Development of Stable PDC Bits for Specific Use on
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IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology, Kuala Lumpur, 1113
September.
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Appendix
Constant Back-Rake Angle (c=cC=cG=cAG). The bit steer-
ability of the cutting structure can be approximated by the follow-
ing expression.3
2tanc + f LC2 LG2
+
LIC LOG
BSCS . . . . . . . . . . . (A-1)
tan2c + f
C + G2 + G C2
4
With the simplifying assumption
11
 D2
C +
2
D2
+
1

G +
2
D2
1

LC2 LG2
+
, . . (A-2)
of the bit cutting structure can be approximated by the following
expression.

16 16 16 LIC LOG
1
Eq. A-1 becomes: D2
tancC + f C +
2
cC
16

1
1 1 D2
D2 D2 + tancG + f G +2
cG
tanc + f C2 + + G2 + 1 16
1 16 16 BSCS D2 .

BSCS D2 .

8 1
8 tan c + f
2
tancC + fcC.C + tancG + fcG.G2
C + G2 + G C2 4
4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-3) + cGG cCC2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-6)
Without taking into account the cutting forces on the active and
passive gauges and the side force effect, the overall bit steerability
is proportional to a geometrical function as follows.

SI Metric Conversion Factors
1 1
D2 D2 ft 3.048* E01 m
tanc + f C2 + + G2 +
1 16 16 in. 2.54* E+01 mm
BS D2 . lbf 4.448 222 E+00 N
8

tan2c + f
C + G2 + G C2 lbm/gal 1.198 264 E+02 kg/m3
4 psi 6.894 757 E+00 kPa
4SfAG2 + SfPG2 *Conversion factor is exact.
+ 1 tan2 f
2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-4)
Stephane Menand is currently a research scientist in the Dept.
The global walk angle of the bit can be approximated by the of Mining and Underground Works Engineering at the Paris
following expression. School of Mines (ENSMP) in Fontainebleau, France. e-mail:
stephane.menand@ensmp.fr. His main areas of interest are di-
LAG + LPG tanf
2C G SfAG + SfPG rectional drilling, drillstring mechanics, and rock-cutting tools.
4 Menand holds a PhD degree in drilling engineering from

= arctan . ENSMP. Hedi Sellami is currently the research manager of the
LAG + LPG SfAG + SfPG
tanc + f C + G + + Dept. of Mining and Underground Works Engineering at
4 ENSMP. e-mail: hedi.sellami@ensmp.fr. He is an expert on rock
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A5) fragmentation for mining, tunnelling, and oil drilling. Sellami
holds a PhD degree from ENSMP. Christophe Simon, after 10
If the friction forces are predominant, the walk angle is very years of research at ENSMP, started DrillScan to commercialize
close to f, the angle of friction between the PDC bit and the rock. expertise and software in the fields of directional drilling,
torque and drag, and bit performance. e-mail: christophe.
Different Back-Rake Angle (cCcG). For the case of different simon@drillscan.com. Simon holds a PhD degree in drilling en-
back-rake angles along the bit profile (cCcG), the steerability gineering from ENSMP.

12 March 2004 SPE Drilling & Completion