StayTrue shaped diamond element technology delivers improved speed and durability—without compromise—in hard and interbedded formations by enabling more efficient bit designs that expand the smooth drilling window.
Although difficult to diagnose, downhole dysfunctions like lateral vibrations and bit whirl can lead to erratic and inefficient bit performance and increased costs. When this happens, operators typically have two choices:
1.Add extra cutters and get longer bit life and more consistent performance—but with slower ROP
2.Or reduce the number of cutters and get more aggressive performance and faster ROP—but with shorter bit life
The StayTrue shaped technology leverages a unique chisel shape and engineered placement so you don’t have to choose between bit life and speed. Instead, it minimizes downhole dysfunctions and delivers longer, faster runs— and reduced cost per foot—consistently and without compromise.
Unlike the standard, reactionary approach to addressing the harmful effects of downhole dysfunctions, Baker Hughes StayTrue technology stops dysfunctions before they occur, allowing the bit to drill smoothly through changing formations. This helps to optimize bit response and enable more efficient energy transfer.
The diamond element’s extensively tested chisel shape stabilizes the bit and reduces vibrations by up to 40% and also keeps the bit centered in the wellbore, minimizing instances of bit whirl so holes stay smooth and in-gauge. Its unique chisel shape is also twice as durable as conically-shaped cutters, delivering more consistent performance across a broad range of applications.
Because only a few strategically placed diamond elements are needed to smooth out drilling performance, bits can drill more aggressively with reduced drag, delivering up to 40% faster ROP. The element technology also features a thick diamond table for added durability and more uniform wear patterns, enabling faster runs without compromising bit life.
Case History1: Delaware Basin, Loving County, Texas
An operator in the Delaware Basin was experiencing erratic and inefficient bit performance while drilling through interbedded shale, limestone, and sandstone formations riddled with hard dolomite and pyrite stringers. The majority of the operator’s previous wells had required two or more bits to drill the tough 8-3/4in. vertical section, resulting in increased costs and time-consuming round trips.
Based on the geology in the area and the observed damage to the bits, the operator believed that the zone transitions were causing lateral vibrations and impact loading. Looking to manage costs and improve overall efficiency, the operator contacted Baker Hughes for a solution that could offer more consistent performance while drilling to target depth in a single run.
Recognizing this as an ideal scenario to deploy a new bit technology that mitigates downhole dysfunctions, the Baker Hughes team recommended a seven-bladed Talon Force polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit with new StayTrue shaped diamond element technology. While the conventional approach to improve bit performance typically involves adding or removing cutters to achieve the needed durability or speed, the StayTrue technology creates a more efficient bit design that delivers both. The diamond elements— which feature a unique chisel shape—are strategically placed on the bit to create a stabilizing effect. This smooth drilling mode protects against bit damage, and allows the bit to drill farther and faster compared to bits using standard PDC cutters and other types of stabilizing elements.
The Talon Force bit with StayTrue technology easily completed the 8-3/4in. vertical interval in one run, increasing footage by 2,540 ft (774 m) over an offset that was drilled with a PDC bit with conventional cutters. Drilling speed also increased from an average rate of penetration (ROP) of 72 ft/hr to 101 ft/hr (22 m/hr to 31 m/hr).
To further validate the effectiveness of the StayTrue technology, a MultiSense in-bit measurement module was run in the Talon Force bit. Data collected by the module showed a 42% increase in smooth drilling time.
By reducing lateral vibrations, the operator was able to drill 66% more feet of rock through challenging formation transitions and with 40% faster average ROP. Despite having drilled significantly farther than the standard PDC used in the offset, the dull condition of the bit with StayTrue technology was comparable to the offset, demonstrating the increased durability and bit life created through smoother drilling.
Case History2: SCOOP Shale Play, Stephens County, Oklahoma
A major operator working in Oklahoma’s SCOOP shale play needed to reduce the number of bits required to drill a challenging vertical section in its next well. The 12-1/4n. section had to be drilled through the Hogshooter formation to reach the operator’s targeted Woodford shale production zone. But the Hogshooter formation—which is characterized by interbedded sections of hard, high-strength sandstones, limestones, and dolomite—is notorious for causing premature bit damage, and as a result was driving up the number of bits needed on previous wells.
Despite attempts to improve performance by experimenting with a variety of bit designs, the operator continued to experience erratic footage, inconsistent rates of penetration (ROP), and poor dull conditions. Seeking a bit design that could deliver improved performance across a long interval, the operator contacted Baker Hughes for a solution.
After reviewing the well plan, the Baker Hughes team recommended using a seven-bladed Talon Force polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit outfitted with new StayTrue shaped diamond element technology. Unlike the standard approach of adding or removing conventional cutters to increase durability or speed, the StayTrue technology delivers both. Its unique chisel shape and engineered placement on the bit reduce lateral vibrations by up to 40% while also keeping the bit centered in the wellbore for longer, faster runs, and more efficient drilling performance across changing formations. Stabilis reinforced cutters were also incorporated into the bit design for added durability.
In contrast to the offset wells that required two or more bits to drill each vertical interval, the Talon Force bit with StayTrue shaped diamond element technology drilled through the Hogshooter formation to target total depth in a single, smooth run. In addition to saving a bit trip—and 12 hours and over USD 40,000—the StayTrue technology also improved footage by 142% compared to offsets, and with no drop in average ROP. When pulled out of hole, the bit also showed a significant improvement in overall dull condition compared to previous bits.
By effectively mitigating lateral vibrations and bit whirl, the StayTrue technology enabled the operator to drill much farther and with consistent ROP. Pleased with the results, the operator plans to use StayTrue technology on future wells to improve overall drilling efficiency.
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