LABORATORY DRILLING PERFORMANCE OF PDC BITS.

Abstract

A laboratory study of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit designs has generated data that give an insight into PDC-bit performance in the field. The tests reviewed in this paper include those for rate of penetration (ROP), torque response, hydraulic energy sensitivity, balling tendency, dull-bit performance, and bit performance after the removal of selected cutters. A total of four bit designs was tested. The designs included flat-faced profiles and parabolic profiles.