Baker Hughes announced the commercial release of its TerrAdapt adaptive drill bit, which can deliver dramatic improvements in drilling economics by using automation to mitigate downhole dysfunctions that cause inefficient drilling and costly tool failures. With the industry’s first self-adjusting depth-of-cut (DOC) control elements, the TerrAdapt bitautomatically changes its aggressiveness based on the formation through which it is drilling to mitigate vibrations, stick-slip and impact loading. For operators, this means faster, more consistent rates of penetration (ROP), longer bit/tool life and significantly reduced non-productive time and invisible lost time. The TerrAdapt adaptive drill bit uses self-adjusting depth-of-cut (DOC) control elements to automatically adapt its aggressiveness to changing rock types and mitigate downhole dysfunctions. This expands the smooth drilling window and allows operators to achieve faster, more consistent ROP while reducing costs and NPT related to tool failures. The TerrAdapt bit incorporates self-adjusting DOC elements that autonomously extend to create an optimal DOC based on the formation, preventing 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 TerrAdapt bit’s cutters and other BHA hardware and electronics. (Source and image: Baker Hughes)