toughest drilling environments New technology increases performance When the original ONYX* PDC cutter was introduced, its resistance to abrasive wear and thermal degradation significantly increased PDC bit performance in hard and abrasive formations. Pushing the limits of PDC bit performance still further would mean creating an entirely new cutter technology. After extensive dull bit analysis and the introduction of new materials and manufacturing processes, Smith Bits introduced the ONYX II* premium PDC cutter. Capable of retaining its sharp edge longer than previous cutters, the new ONYX II enables PDC bits to drill even more efficiently in the harshest conditions, which has significantly improved overall PDC bit performance while reducing drilling costs. The ONYX II cutter enables PDC bits to drill even more efficiently in the harshest conditions. Seamless teamwork ONYX II is the result of an extensive collaboration between our engineering, manufacturing, and research and development groups. A comprehen- sive analysis of dull cutter conditions, combined with aggressive new drilling objectives from our clients, drove the development team to push the boundaries of synthetic diamond manufacturing and materials science. Technical achievements included:
optimizing the density of the diamond structure
synthesizing the diamond under elevated HPHT conditions
applying advanced processes to enhance thermal stability These efforts combined to produce the most tech- nically advanced PDC cutter available today. Manufacturing Enhanced high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) sintering processes Research & Development Advanced materials technology and evaluation Engineering Detailed cutter wear and performance analysis Proven field performance Comprehensive laboratory evaluation A continued investment in the most advanced component testing facilities by Schlumberger has resulted in an improved understanding of the fundamental cutter/rock interaction. Using specialized laboratory equipment, our research and development engineers evaluated the new generation ONYX II cutter to measure it against the original ONYX shearing element. In a controlled laboratory comparison, ONYX II cut 20% more footage and maintained a significantly better dull condition when compared to the original ONYX cutter. These results clearly indi- cate improved thermal stability enables ONYX II to maintain its structural integrity and resist diamond spalling and chipping. Advanced modeling system To successfully expand the PDC application enve- lope into harder and more abrasive formations, at high rates of penetration, requires superior cutter technology combined with enhanced cutting structure design. Using our industry-leading Integrated Dynamic Engineering Analysis System (IDEAS*), bit designers can take full advantage of the ONYX II cutter to develop PDC bits that can drill the most challenging formations. The IDEAS design platform enables engineers to understand how a bit interacts as part of an entire drilling system and offers unique tools that can optimize the placement of the ONYX II cutter in the cutting structure for maximum bit performance. Sublette County, Wyoming, US
6-in MDi516 with original ONYX cutters (left) drilled 3,900 ft in 79.4 h with an average ROP of 49.1 ft/h
6-in MDi516 with new ONYX II cutters (right) drilled 4,775 ft in 78.5 h with an average ROP of 60.8 ft/h The ability of ONYX II cutters to retain a sharp edge and resist impact damage signifi- cantly enhances cutter durability to deliver increased footage drilled with superior ROP ONYX ONYX II 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 F o o t a g e
d r i l l e d ONYX ONYX II R O P ,
f t / h Cutter technology has evolved over the years to enhance the performance of PDC bits. Wear char- acteristics have been evaluated in controlled laboratory simulations on granite, and ONYX II shows significantly improved resistance to abrasion, as measured against previous generations of PDC cutters. (above cutters shown after standard granite abrasion test) R e s i s t a n c e
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A b r a s i o n ONYX 2009 ONYX II 2011 Second generation premium PDC cutters 2006 First generation premium PDC cutters 2003 Extended granite abrasion test ONYX ONYX II www.slb.com/onyxII *Mark of Schlumberger Other company, product, and service names are the properties of their respective owners. Copyright 2011 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 11-BT-0058 ONYX II An evolution in cutter technology a revolution in drilling performance