A Literature Review on Non-planar PDC Cutter
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmee.v7n3.05Keywords:
Non-planar PDC Cutters, PDC Rock Fragmentation Mechanism, Research Methodology, Development TrendsAbstract
Since the introduction of PDC bits in 1973, significant advancements have been achieved in drilling efficiency. However, to address the diverse requirements of various formation rocks—such as differences in hardness, strong abrasiveness, and heterogeneity—and to further enhance drilling performance, several companies worldwide have continuously improved upon conventional cylindrical PDC cutters. These efforts have led to the development of a series of innovative geometric designs for novel-shaped PDC cutters. This paper focuses on an investigation of non-planar cutters. It begins by introducing the application background of non-planar cutters and analyzing the current research status and development trends related to non-planar cutters and the rock-breaking mechanisms of PDC, both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, various types of non-planar cutters are enumerated, and their characteristics are described in detail. Regarding the research methodology for non-planar PDC cutters, this paper elaborates on the procedural steps—from the analysis of the rock-breaking mechanism of PDC cutters, to the evaluation of their rock-cutting performance, and finally to experimental analysis. This systematic approach provides valuable guidance for the rational design of non-planar PDC cutters.
References
[1] Warren, T.M.; Oster, J.H. Torsional Resonance of Drill Collars with PDC Bits in Hard Rock. In: 1998 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition: Drilling and Completion, 1998.
[2] Zuo, R.Q. Overview of International Oil and Gas Well Bit Progress (Part 3) — PDC Bit Development and Current Trends (Part 1). Exploration Engineering (Rock and Soil Drilling Engineering). 2016, (3), p. 1-8.
[3] Scott, D. A bit of history: Overcoming early setbacks, PDC bits now drill 90%-plus of worldwide footage. Drilling Contractor. 2015, (4), p. 60,62,64,66,68.
[4] Thomas, S.; Aljezany, M.; Klink, Z.; Scott, D. Expanding Application of PDC into Harder, More Abrasive Formations: Performance Step Change in Saudi Arabia. In: 2005 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, 2005.
[5] Karasawa, H.; Misawa, S. Development of New PDC Bits for Drilling of Geothermal Wells. 1. Laboratory Testing. Journal of Energy Resources Technology-Transactions of the ASME. 1992, Vol.114(4), p. 323-331.
[6] Wang, F.X. Review of PDC Bit Technology Development. In: Shengli Drilling New Technology Research/ Innovation and Application (2011), Qingdao, China, 2011. China University of Petroleum Press, 2012.
[7] DiGiovanni, A.; Stockey, D.; Fuselier, D. Innovative Non-Planar Face PDC Cutters Demonstrate 21% Drilling Efficiency Improvement in Interbedded Shales and Sand. In: Drilling Conference and Exhibition, 2014.
[8] Segal, S.; Smith Bits. PDC bit with conical element targets rock cutting at bore center. Drilling Contractor. 2013, Vol. 69(4), p. 151-153.
[9] Ford, R. Rolling PDC cutter enhances drill bit life in Granite Wash runs. Drilling Contractor. 2014, Vol.70(4), p. 62,64,66.
[10] Zuo, R.Q. Overview of International Oil and Gas Well Bit Progress (Part 4) — PDC Bit Development Process and Current Situation (Part 2). Exploration Engineering (Rock and Soil Drilling Engineering). 2016, (4), p. 40-48.
[11] Yang, Y.X.; Chen, L.; Lin, M. A Polycrystalline Diamond Compact. Chinese Patent, 2014.
[12] Wang, X.R.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, K.S.; Ouyang, Y.; Yu, Y.; Liu, B.; Liu, K.R.; Chen, Y.F. Finite Element Simulation of Rock Breaking by Multi-Ridge PDC Cutters and the Influence of Geometric Structure. Journal of China University of Petroleum (Natural Science Edition). 2022, Vol.46(4), p. 63-71.
[13] Lin, Z.H. Research and Design of New Non-Planar PDC Cutters (Master's Thesis, Unknown University, China 2019).
[14] Zou, D.Y.; Pan, L.; Cui, Y.D.; Xu, J.F. Rock Breaking Mechanism and Experimental Study of Axe-Shaped PDC Cutters. Petroleum Machinery. 2022, Vol.50(1), p. 34-40.
[15] Liu, H.X.; Luo, Y.X.; Liu, W.J.; Ma, C.H.; Wu, Y.H.; Zhu, X.H.; Liu, Y.Y. Research on the Mechanism of Heterogeneous PDC Cutters Cutting and Breaking Heterogeneous Granite. Petroleum Machinery. 2022, Vol.50(4), p. 22-31.
[16] Wang, X.Y. Development and Application of Heterogeneous Extended Tooth PDC Bit for Highly Abrasive Formations. Drilling and Production Technology. 2012, Vol.35(1), p. 60-63,12.
[17] Wei, X.Y.; He, W.H.; Shi, H.Z.; Chen, Z.L.; Xiong, C.; Li, S.W. Numerical Simulation Study on Rock Breaking Characteristics of Triangular PDC Cutters under Triaxial Stress. Petroleum Machinery. 2021, Vol.49(9), p. 17-23,32.
[18] Zhu, G.H.; Kuang, Y.C.; Lin, W. Research on Cutting Load and Heat Generation Law of Worn PDC Cutters. Petroleum Machinery. 2021, Vol.49(5), p. 68-73.
[19] Teale, R. The concept of specific energy in rock drilling. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts. 1965, Vol.2(1), p. 57-73.
[20] Hill, R.; Lee, E.H.; Tupper, J. The Theory of Wedge Indentation of Ductile Materials. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 1947, Vol.188(1013), p. 273-289.
[21] Paul, B.; Silkarskie, D.L. A Preliminary Theory of Static Penetration by a Rigid Wedge into a Brittle Material. In: Proceedings of the Society of Mining Engineers, AIME, New York, NY, 1965, p. 372-383.
[22] Dutta, P.K. A theory of percussive drill bit penetration. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts. 1972, Vol.9(4), p. 543-544.
[23] Swain, M.V.; Lawn, B.R. Indentation Fracture in Brittle Rocks and Glasses. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 1976, Vol.13(11), p. 311-319.
[24] Yu, J. Mechanical Breaking Laws of Rocks and Model of Rock Breaking Mechanism. Journal of China Coal Society. 1982, (3), p. 10-18.
[25] Shi, X.C.; Tao, Z.W.; Meng, Y.F.; et al. Research Progress on Rock Breaking Mechanism of Roller Cone Bit Teeth. Geological Science and Technology Information. 2014, Vol.33(4), p. 225-230.
[26] Jiang, X.; Zou, D.Y.; Wang, J.J.; et al. Experimental Study on Prediction Model of Impact Load for PDC Cutters. Petroleum Machinery. 2014, Vol.42(4), p. 1-3,15.
[27] Kuang, Y.C.; Zhang, M.M.; Feng, M.; et al. Simulation Model of PDC Cutter Rock Breaking and Full Bit Experiment. Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering. 2018, Vol.14(5), p. 1218-1225.
[28] Yang, S.H. Development and Laboratory Test Evaluation of Conical PDC Cutters. Oil Field Equipment. 2015, Vol.44(6), p. 38-42.
[29] Zhao, H. Experimental and Simulation Study on Rock Breaking Mechanism of Axe-Shaped PDC Cutters (Master's Thesis, Unknown University, China 2023).
[30] Liu, J.H.; Ling, W.X.; Wang, H. Research on Rock Breaking Mechanism of Non-Planar Triangular PDC Cutters and Field Test. Petroleum Drilling Techniques. 2021, Vol.49(5), p. 46-50.
[31] Yan, T.N.; Bagdanov, P.K.; et al. Application of Synthetic Diamond Superhard Materials in Drilling. Geological Publishing House, 2011.
[32] Zuo, R.Q. Overview of International Oil and Gas Well Bit Progress (Part 2) — FuseTek and Pexux Combination Bit. Exploration Engineering (Rock Drilling Engineering). 2016, Vol.43(2), p. 1-4.
[33] Youhe, Z.; Ryan, B.; Yuri, B.; et al. Innovative rolling PDC cutter increases drilling efficiency improving bit performance in challenging applications. In: SPE 163536, 2013.
[34] Youhe, Z.; Yuri, B.; Chen, C.; et al. Fully Rotating PDC Cutter Gaining Momentum: Conquering Frictional Heat in Hard/Abrasive Formations Improves Drilling Efficiency. In: SPE 166465, 2014.
[35] Greg, B.; Mark, S.; Levi, M.; et al. Constructing Difficult Colony Wash Lateral with Innovative Rolling Cutter Technology Improves Drilling Performance. In: SPE 167956, 2014.
[36] Schlumberger. Case Study: AxeBlade Bit Increases ROP 29% and Improves Directional Control in Eagle Ford Shale Interval.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.







