Baker Hughes launches new automated TerrAdapt drill bit

HOUSTON -- Baker Hughes announced today the commercial release of its TerrAdapt adaptive drill bit, which uses automation to mitigate downhole dysfunctions that cause inefficient drilling and tool failures.

The new bit incorporates self-adjusting depth-of-cut (DOC) elements that autonomously extend to create an optimal DOC based on the formation to prevent vibrations and stick-slip when the bit transitions between rock types or sections. When the risk of stick-slip has passed, the elements retract, enabling drilling to resume at a maximum ROP. The elements also absorb any sudden shock to the bit face, significantly reducing damage to the bit’s cutters and other BHA hardware and electronics.

The vast majority of well intervals are drilled through a variety of formations containing layers of different rock types, however, current polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit designs feature a fixed DOC control setting that is optimized for only a single rock type. A fixed-DOC bit will drill smoothly in some areas but will perform erratically and inefficiently in others because of vibrations that occur when the bit transitions between different rock types, causing stick-slip. During stick-slip events, the bit’s bite becomes too aggressive, causing it to “stick” and stop rotating, while the drillpipe behind it continues to wind up like a spring until the bit releases, or “slips,” and begins spinning uncontrollably. These stick-slip events dramatically increase drilling costs by reducing ROP, and can seriously damage the bit and other expensive mechanical and electrical bottom hole assembly (BHA) components. When this happens, operators have to make extra trips to replace the bit/BHA, or continue to drill with diminished performance.

In the Delaware Basin, a TerrAdapt bit recently demonstrated its value by increasing an operator's ROP by 27% compared to the average ROP on offset wells drilled through the same interbedded formations. The bit reduced torque variations by 90%, indicating dramatically reduced stick-slip—enabling the operator to drill 713 ft (217 m), or 27%, farther and use significantly less energy than on the nearby wells drilled with traditional PDC bits.

This bit is the first in a new line of adaptive bits that Baker Hughes is developing to help operators address various drilling dysfunctions, improve performance and reduce costs.