Baker Hughes introduces TerrAdapt adaptive drill to boost drilling economics

Baker Hughes has made the commercial release of its TerrAdapt adaptive drill, a device that uses automation to decrease downhole dysfunctions to improve drilling economics.

Equipped with self-adjusting depth-of-cut (DOC) control elements, the TerrAdapt bit automatically changes its aggressiveness based on the formation whereby it drills to mitigate vibrations, stick-slip and impact loading.

For operators, these aspects indicate faster, more consistent rates of penetration (ROP), longer bit / tool life, reduced non-productive time and invisible lost time.

Baker Hughes drill bits vice president Scott Schmidt said: “I believe the TerrAdapt adaptive drill bit is going to deliver a step-change in our customers’ drilling efficiency.

“Stick-slip, which has been costing them millions of dollars each year, can now be easily avoided.

“So, instead of worrying about how to handle stick-slip or figuring out how to deal with its consequences, our customers can focus on their real business, drilling fast, trouble-free wells.”

Most of the well intervals are drilled using polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit, which comes with one DOC control setting that is optimised for only a single rock type.

While it works smooth in some formations, the performance is highly affected in other areas due to vibrations that occur when the bit transitions between different rock types causing stick-slip.

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.

The TerrAdapt bit has self-adjusting DOC elements that create optimal DOC based on the formation, thereby avoiding vibrations and stick-slip when the bit transitions between rock types or sections.

Baker Hughes also claimed that it is capable of absorbing sudden shocks to the bit face, reducing the chances of damage to the TerrAdapt bit’s cutters.

In the Delaware Basin, a TerrAdapt bit recently showcased its value by increasing a customer’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%, demonstrating reduced stick-slip, thereby enabling the operator to drill 713ft or 27% further and use significantly less energy than on the nearby wells drilled with traditional PDC bits.

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Image: The TerrAdapt adaptive drill bit. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire / Baker Hughes.