Selecting The Proper PDC Bit By Minimum Cost Per Foot Method

Authors :

K.R.T. Nur Suhascaryo1), Imam Pranadipa2), Latif Riscahyo Nugroho3)

Abstract
The background is from the short life span bits in sawahtambang formation on the barisan field, so that
required analysis to get the right bits. The selection of bits is one attempt to get the optimum rate of drilling,
with the selection of bits that are not appropriate it will result in losses due to short bits and resulted in
frequent turn bits which will increase the cost per foot. The Metodology in the selection of PDC bit for
proper drilling wells in the X-1 and X-2 "Y" field method using cost per foot and its associated with the dull
grading analysis. The selected bits is a bit which has low cost per foot and has a long lifespan. Fig. 1. from
results of 3 bits that indicate the optimal employment, PDC bits, PDC 605S SDi519 and 616M PDC, the
PDC 605S demonstrate a low cost per foot its show by high ROP, but the bit gets damaged due to penetrate
the hard formation , while the PDC SDi519 also shows the low cost per foot, but this bit has no long lifespan
due to the hard formation , and the last bit PDC 616M is the most appropriate for this formation is due to
produce a low cost per foot , supported by the longevity and the dullness of the inner or outer rows is less
than 5.

Keywords: PDC Bit, CPF, Dull Grading

I. Introduction subtrate in a high pressure, high temperature

Drilling is an activity undertaken to obtain oil and
gas. In the drilling perform then one of the most
important things is to select the bit. Bit is a
component of the bottom of a series of drilling
pipes that touch the rock formations. In general,
factors that influence the selection of bits are:
hydraulic factors (drilling hydraulic slurries),
mechanical factors (WOB and RPM), and the
characteristics of penetrating formations. If the
characteristics of the rock formations to be drilled
are known, then the selection of bits will be used.
Polycrystaliine Diamond Compact Bit is a
new generation of drag bits and does not use
moving parts (eg no bearing / bearing) so that PDC
bits are more durable to use. And is designed to
break the rock inshear and not in compression as is
done with roller cone bits. Rock breakage by shear
requires significantly less energy than in
compression, henceless weight on bit can be used
resulting in less tear and wear on the rig and
drillstring ( Rabia, 1985)
A PDC bit employs a large number of cutting
elements, each called a PDC cutter. The PDC cutter
is made by bonding a layer of polycrystalline man-
made diamond to a cemented tungsten carbide
1. Lecture of Petroleum Engineering Department, UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta : suhascaryo@yahoo.com
2. Field Advisor
3. Fresh Graduate of Petroleum Engineering Department, UPN “Veteran” Yogyakart : latif.riscahyo88@gmail.com
process.The diamond layer is composed of many
tiny diamonds which are grown together at random
orientation for maximum strength and wear
resistance . (Rabia, 1985)
II. The Formation Sawahtambang on the
Barisan Field
Sawahtambang formation on the Barisan field
composed by shale, sandstone-colored gray to
Brown, fine grain sized up rough, rounded grains
form paced, hard and compact, there is a large
structure of Silurian Cross and parallel layers as
well as There are lenses of sandstones
Conglomerate.
III. Theory and Methods
PDC Bit Component
PDC Bit have some major component of the Posts,
Inclined Post, cylinders Cutters, Gauges Protection
Insert, Impregs, and Nozzle the chisel the drill.
Where Posts a major supporter of the bill PDC.
Posts is used as cutting PDC and has the capability
of the cutter. Posts is made of tungsten carbite to
give the carrying capacity of a strong and resistant
to erosion. Inclined Posts (superstud) which is the
bar an angled back and is located behind the cutter,
inclined the post as well as the embedded his post.
cylinders cutter on dasamya is an element PDC the
bits that stretches. The cylinders cutter has a
function to give support is important for the cutter
on diamond and provide additional to the surface
area in order to put the pieces safely in bits. For
Gauges protection Insert has two types of tools that
are commonly used in PDC Bit, this type of the first
consists of a cylinder made of tungsten carbida to
proceed on the pressure and high temperatures and
a second type two almost the same as the first, it's
just that there are additional diamond on the surface
to enhance the resilience of wear and tear. Gauges
protection Insert this serves to protect gauge of
steel bodied's from abrasion. For impregs is
commonly used for a uniform pattern of wear and
tear on PDC Bit and useful to keep the cutter from
the collision, especially in the formation of loud
and abrasive. For matrik the Hybrid's impregs
made into a body, while at the steel bit is made with
different components. Impregs is made of tungsten
carbite and both made up of natural diamond in
small pieces. And the last noozle, noozle has a wide
range of variation, it is made of tungsten carbite to
provide resistance to erosion from the mud.
Selection noozle, in some factor like the size of the
bill and the hydraulics of the mud.
PDC Bit Design
Determining the design of bits for drilling is one of
the important things, the design of the PDC drill bit
is determined more by the user's will factor that
may be contrary to both technical and theoretical
aspects. An el gain obtained under certain
conditions may be less than optimal under other
conditions. Meanwhile, the design of PDC bit is
influenced by several variables, namely:
1. Bit Body Material
Bit Body In PDC bit generally, distinguished the
two types based on material form, which Steel
Body Bit and the Matrix Body Bit. Steel Body Bit
was introduced by Generic Electric Co. and
developed the first time in the United States, this
type are still widely used because the price is
relatively cheaper when compared to the matrix
body bits. Material form steel body bits is using the
material of steel, the shortcomings of this type that
does not hold long when used. The Matrix Body
Bit in general this kind of better resilience against
his soil when compared with Steel Body Bit, but it
has a price that is more expensive. One of the
advantages of matrix in the body bits of increasing
resistance to erosion and abrasion on the outer part
of bit so that this will extend the age of the beet. the
Matrix Body Bit made with the story, where
powder tungsten carbon (C) to be placed into the
then on top of it put alloy and then heated. So alloy
will cover up and attached with particles of
tungsten carbite (C).
2. Cutter
The amount, size of the cutter and side rake angel
is an important role in the selection of bits, the
number of cutter on PDC bit is very influential in
the efficient chisel, for hard and abrasive rocks can
use more number cutter so that can be extending
the age of the chisel. There are a wide variety of
sizes, generally who often use are diameter 8 mm,
13 mm, 16 mm and 19 mm. When we drill harder
rock then the size of the cutter should use small
diameter size, whereas for the good use of soft
rocks the size of a large diameter cutter. Rake angel
is a useful angle to work desperately wicked cutter,
PDC bits have back and side rake rake which can
be positive, negative or zero. Angle back rake
varies between 0 °-25 °, and the distance is directly
influence the rate of penetration. When the angle of
the rake was increased, the rate of penetration
declined, but resistance to damage the edge of the
cutter increased. but side rake level relative to the
cutter leanings line normal to drive orientai and
drilling. A negative position on the side towards the
center of chisel rake can help push the cutting goes
into junk slots, while the positive side rake position
against outside diameter chiselhas the opposite
result. Hycalog experimented with corner side rake
both positive and negatifyang extreme, yet no
visible benefits.
3. Bit Geometry
Factors affecting bits geometry are Number of
blades and profile bits. The number of blades used
for soft formation is less than that used in hard
formation, as for profile bits greatly affect the
cleanliness, stability of the hole and protection of
the cutter and on the gaugenya part, in the
protection of gauge for steel body bits protected by
tungsten carbite system located near the edge,
while for body bit matrix using natural diamond.
Profile the bits that are used is a double cone and
shallow cone. In a double cone, the cutter is located
near gauge and will control the deviation of the
hole, and to profile shallow cone not produce the
area to clean up the hole, but by using profiles
shallow cone can make the penetration (ROP) a
relatively greater than the bits with a double cone.
Cost Per Foot Method
In determining the choice of bits or types of bits to
be used in a drilling operation, the easiest way is to
study and then compare the results of some bits
used in the previous operation. In a way that's going
to get a type of bits that will provide the best results
as well as the cost of drilling. One of the methods
being used in the bit is the method of cost per foot
(CPF). In the bit selection criteria based on the cost
per foot method, the selected bit is the bit that
results in the lowest cost per foot. And can be stated
with the following :
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑏 + (𝑇𝑡 + 𝑇𝑟)𝑥 𝐶𝑟
= 5. cost bit
𝐹𝑡 𝐹
Cost per foot based on several variables,
namely : cost of bit (Cb), footage (F), trip time (Tt),
Drilling time (Tr) and the cost of the rig per hour
(Cr).
The equality on a field will result in the
analysis of costs that vary due to changes in the
current variables to equipment to be used, the time
of drilling and the resulting depth. The price of drill
bit depends on the manufacturer based on the bit
material and different size. The resulting drilling
time of the bit depends on the age of the bit due to
tooth wear and the damage caused by the loading
and rotation of bits and the penetrating hardness of
the formation.
Dull Grading Analysis
The analysis is intended to determine the condition
of bits after being taken off to the surface, the use
of bits that wear out quickly will be less efficient
and should more often pulled out a hole, which will
cause the increment of the overall drilling cost.
IADC creates a format and made in the form of
tables to facilitate observation of dull grading. In
the first and second columns to find out the damage
to the inner rows cutting structure (2/3 inside) and
outer rows (1/3 outside) while the wear and tear
range from 0 to 8, in the third column is dull
characteristic that states other damage to the bits
and in the fourth column states the location where
the bit used is damaged, in the fifth column for
fixed cutter bits is always marked with the code
"X" which means the bits do not use bearing, the
sixth column to know the size of the occurrence of
the erosion on the gauge, for the seventh column is
useful to know the other damage to the bit used,
while the eighth column is used to record the reason
for the extraction of bits.
III. Case Study
In the analysis of PDC bit the right then need some
data, namely :
1. Diameter of drill hole, inch
2. Type Bit
3. Depth in
4. Depth Out
6. cost rig per hour
7. Because in this field using mud motors would
require the cost of mud motors per hour
The bit that will be analyzed comes from
the use of the bit (Bit record) the wells X-1 and X-
2 in the field "Y",most of the wells in the field "Y"
use the PDC bit in operation,from both the well
then you can pinpoint the exact kind of bits of the
most appropriate on the traject 12 ¼ " in terms of
technical and cost. The technical aspect covers the
rate of penetration, the bit life and footage, While
aspects of the cost of about cost per foot resulting
from the bits PDC rtraject 12 ¼ " that is used.
The analysis was carried out of drilling in
the well X-1 and X-2 traject 12 ¼ " in the field “Y”
both of which is the vertical, and penetrating the
same formations, and rock types of sandstone,
shale and inserts of coal to the level of violence
vary from soft to very hard. In the analysis in both
wells use bits with new conditions,, but depths
were drilled in both wells is different.
Cost Per Foot Method
The cost per foot method is one of the methods
used in the selection of bits. In determining the
choice of bits or types of bits to be used in a drilling
operation, the easiest way is to study and then
compare the results of some bits used in the 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑏 + (𝑇𝑡 + 𝑇𝑟)𝑥 𝐶𝑟
=
previous operation. In this way there will be a bit 𝐹𝑡 𝐹
type that will give the best result and low drilling
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 16000 + (12.5 + 90.3)𝑥(625 + 104.167)
cost. The calculation step is obtained by the =
𝐹𝑡 1544
following way :
=58.911 $/ft
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑏 + (𝑇𝑡 + 𝑇𝑟)𝑥 𝐶𝑟
=
𝐹𝑡 𝐹 The cost per foot that is produced by Bit PDC
519M is 58.911 $/ft. The above can be repeated for
the interval a depth of the other the well X-2, and
Cost per foot (CPF) calculation in the well X-1
to the calculations can be seen on Table.2.
(traject 12¼ ") as an example for depth interval
1787-2480 ft using bit type PDC 519M
Dull Grading Analysis
- Footage = 693 ft In addition to using the method of Cost Per
- Cost Bit (Cb) = 25000 $ Foot (CPF) dull grading analysis is also done. This
- Cost Rig (Cr) = 625 $/hr analysis aims to determine the condition of the bit
- Cost Mud Mottor = 104.167 $/hr after being pulled to the surface. This analysis is
- Bit Hours (Tr) = 31.4 hours useful to know whether the bits are still feasible to
- Trip Time (Tt) = 11 hours use or not. So the recommendation for PDC bit
selection for trajet 12¼ "can be more accurate and
The cost of drilling per foot was obtained in a way precise.
as follows : Results of analysis of dullness will be
compared with the brand. What kind of criteria of
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑏 + (𝑇𝑡 + 𝑇𝑟)𝑥 𝐶𝑟 this bit is based on the value of the inner workings
=
𝐹𝑡 𝐹 and outer rows at the end of their lives.bit is still
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 25000 + (11 + 31.4)𝑥(625 + 104.2) said to be viable if the inner and outer rows wear
= value is not greater than 5, this value may change
𝐹𝑡 693
depending on the user company.
= 80.688 $/ft The result of dull grading analysis, will be
made in table form and for complete result analysis
The cost per foot that is produced by Bit PDC can be seen in Table.3.
519M is 80.688 $/ft. the up can be repeated for the
interval a depth of the other to the well X-1, and the IV. Discussion
results of calculations can be seen on Table.1.
A drilling operation is said to be optimum if low
cost drilling, fast turnaround time, safety and
As for the calculation of cost per foot (CPF) in the
drilling objectives are well achieved in accordance
well X-2 (Traject 12 ¼ ") as an example to the
with the plan. This analysis was performed on bits
intervals 1787-2480 ft. with a bit PDC 605S, can
used in the traject 12¼ "exploration wells X-1 and
be obtained by the following way:
X-2 with the type of vertical drilling and
- Footage (F) = 1607 ft
penetrating the same formation, but of different
- Cost Bit (Cb) = 16000 $
depth.
- Cost Rig (Cr) = 625 $/hr
The analysis is intended to determine the
- Cost Mud Mottor = 104.167 $/hr
exact bits for subsequent drilling based on the
- Bit Hours (Tr) = 90.3 hours
lowest cost per foot, with the support of the dull
- Trip Time (Tt) = 12.5 hours
grading on bits that have been used, both damage
the cutter or to gauge, so we can determine the most
The cost of drilling per foot was obtained in a way
appropriate bit type.
as follows :
 From the results of analysis of the use of
each PDC Bit 12 ¼ " the exploration well X-1 and
X-2 in the field “Y” get bits that shows cost per foot
the lowest of the PDC SDi519, PDC 605S, and
PDC 616M. PDC SDi519 to the size of the cutter
19 mm, bit of body using the material of steel, this
bit through a formation with the degree of violence
the medium (UCS=12 kpsi) to the very hard
(UCS=30 kpsi Fig.3).By using the average WOB
of 15 klbs and the average number of RPM total
195 this bit a cost per foot of 80.688 $/ft, , but this
bit just to produce footage of 693 because of
damage to inner rows and outer rows of 8 so bits
are not suitable for use in this formation. While
PDC 605S to the size of the cutter 19 mm and bits
of body using the material of steel, this bit used on
both wells X-1 and X-2 and this bit also shows
optimum performance, at the time used in the well
X-1, at a depth of 786 to the 1450 ft this bit through
the formation of the very soft to medium, next on
the depth of the 1450 to 1787 ft this bit through a
formation with the degree of violence the hard
(UCS 15 – 22 kpsi) to use Average WOB of 17 klbs
and a height of the RPM of 195 this bit a Cost Per
Foot of 54.955 $/ft. but this bit of damage to inner
rows and outer rows of 8. While in the well X-2
with the kinds and brands are the same, namely
PDC 605S, this bit used to a depth of 1474 – 3018
ft. and produce the cost per foot of 58.911. ft. using
average WOB of 10 klbs and a total RPM of 202,
this resulted in low cost per foot and high footage
of these bits suffered inner rows damage of 5 and
outer rows of 8. From the results of analysis of the
two bit is then can the alignment of theory on if the
size of the cutter 19 mm suitable for use in soft to
medium formations while bits of body using the
material of steel is hold of erosion and not suitable
for use in hard formations. The bill PDC 616 M to
the size of the cutter 16 mm, bits of body made of
material the matrix and the number of blades 6
shows the optimum performance. This bit is
through a formation with the degree of violence the
medium to very hard (UCS, 13 – 27 kpsi Fig.4), the
bits produce an average of CPF of 72.283 $/ft. The
result of dull grading analysis at the end of use of
this bit of damage to the inner rows and outer rows
it was less than 5 so that this bit is suitable for use
in this formation with varying levels of violence, of
this result can be analyzed if it penetrates the hard
formation then it can be used bit body with matrix
material, the smaller the size of the cutter is
resistant to hard rocks, and the greater the number
of blades it is more resistant to hard formations. so
the selection of bit design is very influential on the
cost per foot.
V. Conclusion
1. Based on the results of PDC Bit analysis of
traject 12 ¼ " in the field “Y”, there are three
brands of chisels that produce the lowest cost
per foot of PDC SDi519 with CPF of 90.991
$/ft, PDC 605S with average CPF of 56.754 $
/ ft and PDC 616 M with a CPF average of
106,313.
2. The analysis results show that if the chisel is
suitable for the next well traject 12¼" which
is a chisel PDC 616 M because it has a low
cost per foot and from the analysis dull
grading damage inner rows and outer rows
chisel is less than 5.
3. The selection of bit design (cutter size, body
material bit, number of blades etc) greatly
affects the effectiveness of bits so that the bits
are not damaged and affect the cost per foot.
References
1. Adam, Neal J., “Drilling Engineering, A
Complete Well Planning Approach”, Penn
Well Publishing Co., Tulsa, 1985.
2. Adam, T., Bourgoyne Jr., “Applied Drilling
Engineering”, Society of Drilling
Engineers, Richardson, Texas, 1986.
3. lark. D.A. et all, “Application of the New
IADC Dull Grading System for
Fixed Cutter Bits” SPE/IADC Drilling
Conference held in New Orleans, LA, March
15-18, 1987.
4. Moore, P.L., “Drilling Practice Manual”,
The Petroleum Publishing Company, Tulsa,
Oklahoma, 1974.
5. Rabia, H., “Oil Well Drilling Engineering
Principle And Practice”,Graham and
Trotman Linited, London, 1985.
6. Hycalog, “PDC Bit technology Manual”,
Schlumberger Company, Houston, Texas,
2002
Fig 1. Flow Chart Selecting the proper PDC Bit Fig 3. UCS Vs Depth Chart Well X-1

Fig 2. Stratigraphy Ombilin Basin Fig 4. UCS Vs Depth Chart Well X-2

Table 1. Calculation of Cost Per Foot Well X-1

AVG AVG
ROP WOB BIT CPF
BIT TYPE INTERVAL FOOTAGE RPM
HOURS ($/ft)
ft/hours klbs
PDC M616 700 - 786 155 4.9 11 195 31.6 373.0511
PDC 605S 786 - 1787 1001 21.8 17 195 46 54.955
PDC M519 1787 - 2480 693 22.1 15 195 31.4 80.688
TCI GF04 2480 - 2486 6 6.7 12 190 0.9 4477.431
 Table 2. Calculation of Cost Per Foot Well X-2
AVG AVG
ROP WOB BIT CPF
BIT TYPE INTERVAL FOOTAGE RPM
HOURS ($/ft)
ft/hours Klbs
1474 - 3018 1544 17.796 10 202 90.3 58.911
PDC 605S AVG 1474 –
1544 17.796 10 202 90.3 58.911
3018
3018 - 3275 257 31.7 11 192 8.1 166.0182
3275 - 3752 477 20.7 13 197 23 115.282
PDC 616M 3752 - 3878 126 16.4 15 206 7.7 356.564
3878 - 4037 159 17.097 15 210 9.3 296.7767
AVG 3018 –
1019 21.185 13.5 201.25 48.1 72.283
4037

Table 3. Results of Dull Grading Analysis

IADC Dull Grade

Other Char
Location

Reaseon
Bearing
BIT Size Bit

gauge
Outer
Inner

WELL Dull
(Inch) Type

X-1 12.25 MDi616 2 5 BT A X 1 CT PR

X-1 12.25 605S 8 8 NO A X 4 RO PR
X-1 12.25 SDi519 8 8 NO A X 32 RO PR
X-2 12.25 605S 5 8 NO A X 2 RO PR
X-2 12.25 616M 1 3 WT S X 2 PN TD