Special Considerations for Conventional (non SB) BiCentrix™ Bits

Applications for conventional PDC and BiCentrix™ bits are similar and the correct
drilling procedures remain largely the same. Many of the practices and procedures
are just common oilfield habits that should be done with both PDC and rock bits.

PLANNING
1. Preparing the Hole

Conventional (non-SB) BiCentrix bits are not suitable for drilling out casing shoes. It
is important that there is a sufficient “rathole” below casing shoe to allow the bit to
drill new formation. It is recommended that the float equipment, shoe track and 6ft
(2m) of rathole is drilled out before running in with the BiCentrix bit. Avoid drilling
rathole in excess of twice the overall bit length (approx 4ft); for a BiCentrix to perform
effectively, the bit needs to drill it’s own pilot hole. Running a BiCentrix bit into an
already drilled hole will cause bit instability and induce drillstring vibration.

2. Reaming

The design of a BiCentrix bit means that it will not effectively ream a previously drilled
section. The resulting vibrations and shocks will cause damage to both the bit and
BHA.

3. The BHA

In straight hole applications, the use of a high torque / low speed PDM motor is
recommended. The use of a near bit drive mechanism (e.g. motor) will reduce
“whipping" from the unstabilised drill string and any deviation can be more readily
controlled.

4. Stabilisation

It is not possible to use full gauge stabilisers because they must pass through the
previous drill string. However the size of near bit stabiliser is further restricted by the
reamer section on the bit.

The maximum size of a near bit stabiliser is Ø DRIFT - (Ø DRILL - Ø DRIFT).

i.e. For a 6" drift that drills a 7" hole, the max. near bit stabiliser is

6" - (7" - 6") = 5"

However, the flexibility of the BHA allows larger stabilisers to be used away from the
bit. For tangent sections, it is recommended to have stabilisers at 30, 60 and 90'.
The maximum size of a string stabiliser is Ø DRIFT.

i.e. For a 12-1/4" drift that drills a 14-3/4" hole, the max. string stabliliser is

12-1/4”
5. Hydraulics

The BiCentrix bit is designed to have similar jet sizes in both the pilot and reamer
sections of the bit. The flow rate of drilling fluid should be similar to that of a
conventional PDC bit.

ON THE RIG
1. Preparing the BiCentrix™ Bit

When picking up a BiCentrix bit, all the normal precautions used in handling a
conventional PDC bit should be carried out to prevent cutter damage.

BiCentrix bits are fitted with standard API pin connections and should be made up to
the specified torque for these connections.

2. Tripping In

BiCentrix bits are longer than conventional PDC bits, so greater care should be taken
when running-in hole, from the time the bit goes through the rotary table, until it gets
to bottom, because striking ledges or running through tight spots can cause damage
to the reamer section e.g. when running through diverters, BOP’s, wellheads, casing
shoes and known obstructions.

BiCentrix bits should never be rotated inside casing. On a steerable motor

assembly, this includes circulating with the bit inside the casing. If the bit is
rotated, the reamer section will be forced into the steel casing, causing cutter
damage.

3. Tagging bottom

Tag bottom gently (0-1 Klbs) to prevent overloading the leading nose cutters. Both
the rotary torque indicator and weight indicator should be watched to locate bottom.

4. Preparing to Drill

After bottom is tagged, lift the bit 6” to 12” off bottom and circulate 5 to 10 minutes
while rotating slowly (20-30 RPM).
 DRILLING AHEAD
1. Starting to Drill (“Drilling in”)

Approach bottom slowly with low flow, then increase the flow once bottom is reached.

A bottom hole pattern should be cut using light WOB (0-5 Klbs) for the first 4ft
(1.5m).

No more than 5 Klbs is usually required to cut a bottom hole pattern.

In some soft formations, the bit drills off quickly even at 1-5 Klbs WOB and a bottom
hole pattern can soon be established.

It is important to be patient, since only a few cutters on the nose of the bit will be in
contact with the formation and the BiCentrix will take longer than a normal PDC bit to
produce a complete bottom hole pattern. Adding weight too quickly can overload and
damage the bit.

Because PDC bits respond so dramatically to changing formations and operating

parameters, an attentive Driller will consistently be able to drill more hole than one
who “sets and forgets”.

2. Weight on Bit

Once the bottom hole pattern is established WOB can be increased to optimise bit
performance. Since bit RPM is dependent on the motor and flow rate, the weight on
bit and flow rates may be varied to optimise bit performance.

3. Directional considerations

It must be remembered that BiCentrix bits by definition make it difficult to

achieve a very stable BHA, as the use of full gauge stabilisers for the
underreamed section is not possible. Thus BiCentrix bits have a more
sensitive directional response to changes in WOB than conventional PDC bits.

In low angle holes, building problems can occur if too much weight is applied to the
assembly. Adding bit weight will exaggerate angle building whilst low WOB will
lessen angle building, but if the WOB is too low the BHA may drop angle.

In deviated wells BiCentrix bits will have a tendency to drop angle, both due to
gravitational forces and the higher than normal side cutting force.

The use of stabilisers will lessen drill collar flexing and nose up bit positioning.

In tangent sections a slight building assembly should be run to counteract the

tendency to drop angle, with the assembly bend controlled by the use of WOB.
4. Torque

On bottom rotary torque is a reflection of how well the bit is “digging in” and how
much energy is being expended in drilling (shearing) the formation. Consequently,
rotary torque often can be used as a guide to selecting the bit weight that gives the
best penetration. BiCentrix bits may generate more torque due to their cutting action,
which could limit the amount of WOB that can be applied to the drill bit.

Occasionally torque and RPM will vary rather than remain constant. This is probably
caused by the drill string acting like a long torsion spring, responding to drag
generated by the PDC bit. The bit “bites” into the formation and slows down for a
short time, slowing the rotary table as well. Finally, enough surplus torque is wound
into the drill pipe to “break the bit loose”. The cycle then repeats itself as the bit digs
in again. Depending on the drill pipe diameter, length of drill string, mass of drill
collars etc., these torque cycles / fluctuations are usually 2 to 8 seconds in duration.
Cycling can be tolerated if it is not severe and penetration rate is good.

Torque cycling can be lessened by reducing bit weight or by increasing rotary speed.
Torque cycling is usually more evident in soft formations where the PDC cutters take
a deeper depth of cut.

5. Making Connections

Connections with BiCentrix bits generally follow established drilling procedures for
PDC bits. Care should be taken however when going back to bottom. High RPM
while off bottom should be avoided.