Drilling bits play a crucial role in oil and gas drilling operations. They are the cutting tools that are used at the end of the drill string to break and cut through rock layers deep underground. Various types of drilling bits are used depending on the lithology of the formation being drilled.

Types of Bits Commonly Used in Oilfield Drill Bits

Roller Cone Bits

Roller cone bits are one of the most common types used in drilling operations. They have a number of rotating cones with teeth/cutting structures that crushes and fractures the formation being drilled. They work well in drilling thick formations of shale, sandstone and some limestone rocks. Advances like the tungsten carbide inserts have made them more durable and able to Oilfield Drill Bits faster.

Fixed Cutter Bits

Fixed cutter bits, also known as diamond bits, have a number of fixed diamond cutting structures mounted on the bit body rather than movable cones. They are generally used for drilling thin formations of hard rocks like granite and basalt with low rate of penetration. The diamond cutting pieces help to drill the hard abrasive rocks.

PDC Bits

Also commonly used are the polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits which have fixed diamond compact cutters rather than whole diamond pieces. These cutters give better cutting action than regular diamond bits and work very efficiently in medium-hard to hard formations. They have become one of the primary bit types used worldwide.

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