Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, today launched the HyperBlade hyperbolic diamond element bit that reduces drilling costs by improving the rate of penetration (ROP), while maintaining steering response and directional tracking in soft and plastic rock formations.
“The HyperBlade bit expands our three-dimensional cutting elements bit portfolio and addresses operational challenges by reducing drilling time and eliminating unnecessary bit trips,” said Kristi Vilay, president, Bits & Drilling Tools, Schlumberger. “With the introduction of this new technology, operators can improve ROP and achieve further gains in drilling efficiency.”
The new technology incorporates the distinctive geometry of Hyper hyperbolic diamond cutting elements that cut 20% deeper into rock compared with conventional polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters. A thicker, precision-molded diamond table makes the Hyper element tougher and more durable for drilling soft and plastic rock formations, while armored cutting edges withstand high-impact transitions.
Additionally, bit balling is mitigated by the chip-breaking profile at the center of the element, which improves cuttings removal during drilling. With the combination of these features, the HyperBlade bit maintains steerability and directional tracking, and increases average ROP by more than 20% compared with conventional PDC cutters.
The HyperBlade bit has undergone extensive field testing in North America, specifically in the Denver-Julesburg and Appalachian Basins. In the Marcellus Formation in northern Pennsylvania, the HyperBlade bit drilled an 8 ½-in section with a measured depth of 6,891 ft in 16.6 drilling hours. The operator achieved an on-bottom ROP of 415 ft/h, resulting in a 62% improvement compared with offset runs using conventional PDC bits. (Source: Schlumberger)