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Drilling Bits & Hydraulics Technology

Comprehensive training in drilling bits selection, optimization, and hydraulics calculations for optimal drilling performance and efficiency in oil and gas wells. It is a skill module addresses roller cone and cutter bit design features and their associated hydraulics programs at an awareness competency level.

 

Audience

This course is designed for:

  1. Drilling engineers
  2. Well planners
  3. Bit optimization specialists
  4. Field supervisors
  5. Technical support staff.

Course objectives

By end of the course participants will:

  1. Master bit selection and applications
  2. Understand hydraulics principles
  3. Learn optimization techniques
  4. Develop troubleshooting skills
  5. Apply performance analysis methods.

Course contents

Day 1: Introduction to Drilling Bits and Pretest

  • Pretest: Conduct a preliminary assessment to gauge participants’ baseline knowledge of drilling bits and hydraulics.
  • Overview of Bit Types: Introduce the two main categories of drilling bits—fixed cutter bits (e.g., PDC) and roller cone bits (e.g., tricone bits).
  • Bit Applications: Discuss the specific applications of each bit type in different formations (soft, medium, hard, and abrasive).
  • Historical Evolution: Provide a brief history of drilling bit technology and its impact on drilling efficiency.

Day 2: PDC Bit Technology and IADC Classification

  • PDC Bit Design: Explore the cutting structures, materials, and geometries of PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits.
  • Nozzle Configurations: Explain the role of nozzle placement and sizing in bit performance and cuttings removal.
  • IADC Classification System: Teach participants how to interpret the IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) code for bit classification.
  • Dull Grading and Wear Mechanisms: Analyze common wear patterns (e.g., broken cutters, erosion) and their implications on bit performance.

 

Day 3: Bit Selection and Operating Parameters

  • Formation Evaluation: Discuss how formation characteristics (e.g., hardness, abrasiveness) influence bit selection.
  • Economic Considerations: Introduce cost-based criteria for bit selection, including cost per foot and overall drilling efficiency.
  • Optimizing Weight on Bit (WOB) and RPM: Explain the relationship between WOB, RPM, and rate of penetration (ROP).
  • Performance Analysis: Teach participants how to calculate cost per foot and evaluate bit performance using real-world data.

Day 4: Hydraulics Fundamentals and Bit Hydraulics

  • Hydraulics Basics: Cover the fundamentals of fluid flow regimes (laminar, turbulent, and transitional) and pressure loss calculations.
  • Nozzle Sizing and Hydraulic Horsepower: Explain how to optimize nozzle size and hydraulic horsepower for efficient cuttings removal.
  • ECD Management: Discuss the importance of Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) in maintaining wellbore stability.
  • Hole Cleaning Techniques: Explore strategies for optimizing hole cleaning and minimizing drilling issues like stuck pipe.

Day 5: Case Studies, Performance Evaluation, and Final Assessment

  • Case Study Analysis: Review real-world case studies to demonstrate the application of bit selection, hydraulics, and optimization techniques.
  • Performance Evaluation: Conduct a hands-on session to evaluate bit performance and hydraulics efficiency using provided data sets.
  • Final Assessment: Administer a comprehensive test to assess participants’ understanding of the course material.
  • Q&A and Feedback: Allow participants to ask questions, share insights, and provide feedback on the course.