Chapter 2-J Positive Displacement Motors

SAUDI ARAMCO DRILLING MANUAL
Drilling Technical Department September 2013
CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

SECTION J POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS (PDM)

Back
2.1 Principles of Operation and Components
2.1.1 Dump Sub
2.1.2 Rotor Catch Combination
2.1.3 Nozzled Rotors
2.1.4 Power Section
2.1.5 ERT Power Section
2.1.6 Adjustable and Fixed Bend Tubular Housings
2.1.7 Transmission Unit
2.1.8 Bearing Section
2.1.9 Performance Motors
2.1.10 Tandem Motors
2.1.11 Elastomers
2.1.12 PDM Operating Characteristics
2.1.13 Drilling Fluid Effects
2.1.13.1 Chlorides
2.1.13.2 Lost Circulation Material
2.1.13.3 Corrosion Inhibitors
2.1.13.4 Salt Saturated Muds
2.1.13.5 Muds with Diesel Added
2.1.14 Motor Failure Modes
2.1.14.1 Chunking
2.1.14.2 Debonding
2.1.14.3 Junk Damage
2.1.14.4 Excessive Rotary Speeds
2.2 Saudi Aramco Utilization of PDM’s


POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Two of the most intriguing questions for drilling personnel are (1) what bit, bottom
hole assembly and rotational method (drilling system) is optimal for a given hole
section and (2) what are the optimal operating parameters for that system? For
Saudi Aramco drilling operations, the short list of drilling systems include:
A) Rotary and Rock Bit

B) Rotary and PDC
C) PDM and Rock Bit
D) PDM and PDC
E) RSS and Rock Bit
F) RSS and PDC
G) Powered RSS and Rock Bit
H) Powered RSS and PDC
I) Turbine and PDC
The purpose of this section and the following sections on Turbines and
Performance Drilling Systems Optimization is to present the essential operating
parameters and requirements which best utilize each drilling system.
Note that RSS and Powered RSS information can be found in Chapter 2, Drilling
Optimization.
2.0 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS (PDM)
The Moineau Pump was patented in 1926 by the

French Engineer Rene Moineau. The Moineau
pump or more commonly called the progressing
cavity pump gained wide scale utilization in
artificial lift applications for shallow to medium
depth oil and water wells. It is also used for
surface transfer of solids laden fluids. The
progressing cavity pumps were found capable of
handling, high viscosity, solids and sand laden
fluids more effectively than conventional oilfield
rod pumping units and Electric Submergible
Pumps (ESP). A Progressing Cavity pumping
system is shown in Fig 2K-1.
Figure 2K-1: Progressive Cavity Pumping System
1 of 22

The progressive cavity pumps work by turning a single external-helix steel rotor
inside a double internal helix elastomeric stator. The rotary action of the steel rotor
forms cavities that progress upward from the bottom of the hole through the pump
and tubing to the surface.
The Positive Displacement Motor, (PDM), which was commercially introduced in

1966 by Smith Tool Company as the "Dynadrill" motor, works on the reverse
application on the Moineau pump principle. Instead of turning a rotor inside a
stator assembly from the surface to pump fluid through the tubing up-hole, fluid is
pumped from the surface into the drillstring to turn a rotor inside a stator assembly
down-hole. The PDM rotor is attached to a transmission and drive shaft assembly
that in turn impart rotational motion to the drill bit.
PDM's were field tested in California in 1962 as part of a directional drilling system.
The application of the PDM and bent-sub assembly provided the first practical
capability for developing offshore California fields from onshore. PDM usage
quickly spread to the Gulf of Mexico where they were used for directional
applications from offshore drilling rigs. PDM's continued to evolve over the next 30
years with the development of Tandem, Extended Power Section, Even Rubber
Thickness (ERT) and Articulated Motors into the steerable systems we know today.
2.1 Principles of Operation and Components
In a positive displacement motor, pressurized circulating fluid is pumped into

a progressing axial cavity formed between a helically lobed metallic rotor and
a helically lobed elastomeric stator.
The force of the pressurized circulating fluid pumped into the cavity between
the rotor and the stator cause the rotor to turn inside the stator. The action of
the rotor and stator converts the hydraulic energy of the circulating fluid to
mechanical energy (rotation) which is transferred to the drill bit via a
transmission and drive shaft assembly.
Modification of lobe numbers and geometry at the design stage provides for
variation of motor input and output characteristics to accommodate various
drilling requirements.
PDM's consist of six main components: (1) Dump Sub or Float/Rotor Catch
Combo (2) Power Unit (Rotor & Stator), (3) Bent Housing, (4) Transmission
Unit, (5) Mud Lubricated Bearing Section Assembly and (6) Tubular Housings
and Stabilizers as shown in Fig 2K-2.
2 of 22

Figure 2K-2: Positive Displacement Motor
2.1.1 Dump Sub
The geometry of the rotor/stator power unit prevents fluid flow

between the drillstring and annulus during tripping operations. A
dump sub can be incorporated above the power unit in the motor
assembly to allow the drillstring to fill when tripping in the hole and
empty when tripping out of the hole, thereby avoiding wet trips. The
dump sub also permits low rate circulation if required.
The dump sub contains a valve that is ported to allow fluid flow
between the drillstring and annulus. The dump valve assembly is of a
sliding piston and spring design, with all parts manufactured from high
quality steels. When circulation rates are low or when there is no
circulation rate for the motor, the piston moves down, closing the
bypass ports. Drilling fluid is then directed through the motor section.
When circulation stops, the bypass piston is released and the bypass
ports reopen. Most multi-lobe motors 3⅜" and larger are equipped
with hollow rotors, thus lessening the requirement for the dump sub.
See Figure 2K-3 on the following page.
3 of 22

Figure 2K-3: Dump Sub Assembly
2.1.2 Rotor Catch Combination
Another top sub configuration is the top sub rotor catch combination
with float. In the event of a housing failure down hole or if a
connection backs off, this safety device will prevent the bottom part of
the drilling motor from being left in the hole.
Figure 2K-4 on the following page shows the basic layout of the rotor
catch mechanism and how it functions. The rotor catch mandrel is
connected to the drilling motor rotor. When engaged, the rotor catch
mandrel will hang on the shoulder of the motor top sub. As the
bottom hole assembly is pulled out of the hole, it will bring the rest of
the drilling motor out with it.
4 of 22

Figure 2K-4: Drilling Motor Rotor Catch Mechanism
2.1.3 Nozzled Rotors
For performance drilling in larger diameter hole sections, adding a

rotor nozzle allows increasing the total flow rate to clean the hole and
remove cuttings, which can be incorporated to the rotor catch
mandrel. Nozzled rotors cause more fluid to be circulated around the
bearing assembly and less directly through the rotor/stator cavity,
thereby reducing rotational speed. This decrease in bit speed while
maintaining high circulation rate is necessary for special applications
such as:
A) When requiring a motor operating flow greater than the

maximum flow rate indicated for that particular motor.
B) When requiring a motor operating flow rate greater than the flow
rate indicated on the motor spec for a desired performance
output.
C) Where there are concerns about drilling conditions causing the
motor to stall. Fluid will be diverted away from the rotor / stator
passage reducing wear or damage.
5 of 22

A simple hydraulics calculation is used to determine the size of the

rotor nozzle required.
R TFA = Q2 x MW 0.5
P x 10,858
Where: R TFA = total flow area for Rotor Nozzle (nozzle size, sq. in.)
Q = amount of flow to bypass (gpm)
MW = mud weight (lb/gal)
P = expected differential drilling pressure + friction* (psi)
*Friction pressure is generally recognized as 125 psi for 4.75" and

larger motors and 150 psi for 3.5" and smaller motors.
Figure 2K-5: Nozzled Rotor
6 of 22

2.1.4 Power Section
The power section is comprised of two components, the stator and the
rotor. The stator consists of a steel tube containing a bonded
elastomer insert with a lobed helical pattern bored through the center.
The rotor is a lobed helical steel rod. When the rotor is installed into
the stator the combination of the helical shapes form sealed flow
cavities between the two components. When drilling fluid is forced
through the power section the pressure drop across the cavities will
cause the rotor to turn inside the stator. This is how rotation provides
power to the bit.
The output characteristics and performance of a power section are

controlled by the following design criteria:
A) Lobe configuration
B) Stages
C) Power section fit
D) Elastomer
The lobe configuration denotes the number of lobes the rotor and
stator have. By nature of design, the stator always has one more lobe
than the rotor. Generally as the lobe ratio is increased, the speed of
rotation is decreased and the torque output is increased. Figure 2K-6
shows both a 4:5 cross section and a 7:8 cross section.
Figure 2K-6: Cross-Sections of Typical Power Sections
7 of 22

A stage is defined as a full helical rotation of the lobed stator (see

Figure 2K-7). Power sections may be classified in stages. With more
stages the power section is capable of greater overall differential
pressure, which in turn provides more torque to the rotor.
Figure 2K-7 - Spiral Stage Length
The power section ‘fit’ is the compression or clearance between the

rotor and stator. Each power section configuration is designed with a
specific fit to optimize their output performance. Many configurations
have options available for longer fits specifically designed to
compensate for elastomeric swell caused by temperature or drilling
fluids.
2.1.5 ERT Power Section
Even Rubber Thickness (ERT) power sections are a variety of the

basic PDM (positive displacement motor) design to improve
performance output. As shown in Figure 2K-8, the cross-sectional
profile of the rotor and the stator are the same as a conventional
power section and operate in the same way; however, the ERT stator
is designed differently. The steel tube of the stator is manufactured
with a spiralled lobed profile machined through the bore. A thin layer
of elastomer is applied to the inside of this lobed profile, hence the
name given ‘even rubber thickness’. When the rotor is inserted into
the stator, the thin layer of rubber provides the flexible seal for the
flow cavities of the power section while the steel behind the rubber
provides a fixed support. This design configuration results in both an
increased torque capacity and reduced affects from rubber swell
(constant change in rubber thickness due to temperature or fluid
exposure over a thinner cross section).
8 of 22

Figure 2K-8: ERT Cross-Section Profile
Within the specified motor operating ranges, bit rotation speed is

directly proportional to the circulating fluid flow rate between the rotor
and stator. Above the maximum specified operating differential
pressure, fluid leakage occurs between the rotor and stator seals and
bit rotation speed decreases. Excessive fluid leakage results in
"stalling", as the rotor stops rotating within the stator.
Similarly, within the specified motor operating ranges, motor output

torque is directly proportional to the differential pressure developed
across the rotor and stator. If the motor is operated above the
maximum specified torque production values, there can be a tendency
for accelerated rotor/stator wear and stalling may occur.
The power developed by the rotor and stator is directly proportional to

both rotational speed and torque. Motor horsepower and related
values of rotational speed and torque should be fully evaluated with
respect to specific drilling applications.
2.1.6 Adjustable and Fixed Bend Tubular Housings
PDM's can be configured with adjustable bend, fixed bend, straight or

eccentric housings for a full range of build rates. An adjustable bent
housing with a setting range of from 0 to 3° is shown in Fig 2K-9.
When using an adjustable bent housing the desired setting can be set
on the rig floor. A rough estimate of the build rate achieved with a
particular bent housing setting can be obtained using the following
equation:
Build Rate, deg./100 ft = 200 x Bent Housing Setting, deg.

Distance from bit to Motor top, ft.
9 of 22

This equation assumes ideal bottom hole assembly behavior in gauge

hole. The harder the formation, the closer field performance
approaches ideal BHA behavior, as long as an acceptable ROP can
be achieved. Further, achievable build rates with a given bent
housing setting typically decrease with increased washout and softer
formations.
Figure 2K-9: Adjustable Bent Housing
2.1.7 Transmission Unit
The transmission unit eliminates all rotor eccentric motion and the
effects of fixed or adjustable bent housings while transmitting torque
and downthrust to the drive shaft. The drive shaft is held in place
concentrically by the bearing assembly. The transmission unit must
also allow the correct axial relationship of the rotor to the stator to
ensure efficient rotor to stator sealing and minimize rotor and stator
wear.
10 of 22

A variety of constant velocity transmission unit designs are employed,

providing maximum transmission efficiency for differing rotor/stator
configurations.
Transmission units are of multi-element design consisting of a central

shaft connected at either end with universal couplings. The couplings
contain many specialized components housed in an oil-filled
environment. Component design and environment are selected to
promote efficiency, reliability and longevity.
Figure 2K-10: Transmission Unit
11 of 22

2.1.8 Bearing Section
The bearing assembly consists of multiple thrust bearing cartridges,

radial bearings, a flow restrictor and a drive shaft.
The thrust bearings support the downthrust of the rotor and the
reactive upward loading from the applied weight on bit. For larger
diameter motors, the thrust bearings are of multi-stack ball and track
design. Small diameter motors utilize carbide friction bearings.
Metallic and non-metallic radial bearings are employed above and
below the thrust bearings to absorb lateral side loading of the drive
shaft. Side loading of the drive shaft can be significant in steerable
and correction run applications. The radial bearing materials are
selected and manufactured to provide reliable operation. The
bearings are normally repacked in the shop of the Service Company
after each motor run as shown in Figure 2K-11.
Figure 2K-11: Repacking of Bearing Assembly
The bearing assembly is cooled and lubricated by approximately 5-8%

of the circulating fluid flow; however, this value can be altered through
the use of nozzled rotors as previously mentioned.
12 of 22

The drive shaft transmits both axial and torsional loading to the bit.
The drive shaft is a forged component, which has a threaded
connection at the bottom end to facilitate connection to the drill bit.
The drive shaft is the only external rotating component. Fluid is
supplied to the drill bit through the center of the drive shaft.
All bearing assemblies are designed such that the drive shaft and
bearings cannot strip out of the bearing housing in the event of the
drillstring becoming stuck and the maximum downhole overpull for a
particular motor exceeded.
2.1.9 Performance Motors
Performance or "extended power section motors" have power head

sections with 1.25 to 2.0 times the number of stages of standard
PDM's. These motors have improved torque output compared to
standard motors without the long length of Tandem Power Head
Motors. The maximum bend on some extended power section motors
is only 1.83° because the larger diameter shaft required for the high
torque leaves less clearance in the transmission section. Bend
settings greater than 1.83° would cause the transmission in the motor
to rub against the inner diameter of the adjustable bent housing.
2.1.10 Tandem Motors
Tandem motors utilize two standard power sections joined by a

transmission unit, effectively doubling the number of stages compared
to the standard PDM. By doubling the number of stages, the tandem
power head motor increases torque output and maintains a higher bit
speed over a wider range of operating differential pressures and
extends bit motor life. However, due to their longer length, the
tandem motors are more difficult to steer and require higher standpipe
pressures to operate.
Figure 2K-12: Dual Rotor Configuration on Tandem PDM
13 of 22

2.1.11 Elastomers
Drilling motors have a variety of elastomeric compounds available to

suit the needs of each drilling application. The elastomer-lined inside
of the stator will determine the overall performance output, the
compatibility with different drilling fluids and any operating
temperature limits. These elastomers can be classified by their basic
compound make up:
A) Nitrile – Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), or

B) HNBR – Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
Nitrile is the predominant type of elastomer used in drilling motors and

will be suited for most drilling applications. For simplicity of this
document, Nitrile elastomers are broken down into three main
categories based on performance output: 1) standard nitrile, 2)
premium nitrile and 3) performance nitrile.
HNBR is typically used in specific applications where drilling fluid

compatibility or temperature is an issue. HNBR is also sometimes
classified as HSN (Highly Saturated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber).
Due to ever changing variety of fluids and chemical additives used

while drilling, details of elastomeric compatibility will not be detailed in
this report.
Improvements to elastomer technology have provided the ability to

enhance the output characteristics of all power sections. They are
capable of handling greater pressure drops and therefore are able to
create more output torque without increased length. Premium nitrile is
the first step up from standard nitrile and can improve the output of
the power section as much as 30%. The next step up is the
performance nitrile which can improve the output as much as 40%
over premium nitrile and 80% over standard nitrile.
In general these newer nitrile elastomers are not affected by oil based
fluids and temperatures as previous generations of elastomers.
2.1.12 PDM Operating Characteristics
The effectiveness of a PDM in a specific operating environment can

be related to its Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time
Between Maintenance (MTBM). Operators can lower their cost by
14 of 22

implementing subtle changes in drilling fluid properties and operating

practices to improve these micrometers of PDM performance.
2.1.13 Drilling Fluid Effects
2.1.13.1 Chlorides
Chlorides in mud can severely corrode the chrome plating on

standard rotors. As a result of corrosion, the rough edges
left on the rotor lobes damage the stator by cutting the top
off the elastomer in the stator/lobe profile. Corrosion
damage to a chrome-plated rotor from a 6⅝" motor is shown
in Fig 2K-13.
Figure 2K-13: Corrosion Damage to Chrome Plated Rotor
2.1.13.2 Lost Circulation Material
Lost circulation material (LCM) can cause two problems

when pumped through a motor. The material can plug off
inside the motor, usually at the dump valve if one is used at
the top of the output shaft or the radial bearing and it can
cause stator wear. However, LCM can be used with most
PDM's if these precautions are followed:
A) Add the LCM evenly – avoid pumping a large slug of

material.
B) Minimize the use of hard, sharp-edged materials such
as nut plug, coarse mica and calcium carbonate chips
because they can cause stator wear by abrasion.
15 of 22

2.1.13.3 Corrosion Inhibitors
The Naphtha base of many pipe corrosion inhibitors can

cause excessive swelling of the elastomeric stator,
particularly when added to the mud system in slugs.
2.1.13.4 Salt Saturated Muds
Severe corrosion problems have occurred in salt saturated

muds, apparently as a result of galvanic action between the
dissimilar metals of the motor, drill collars and the conductive
drilling mud. Sacrificial anodes have been found to work
well in the motors when galvanic corrosion is a problem.
2.1.13.5 Muds with Diesel Added
Stators are occasionally subjected to chemical attack by

aromatic hydrocarbons in the diesel phase of oil mud
systems. Diesel fuels are typically ‘winterized’ by the
addition of aromatic compounds to lower the temperature at
which the fuel gels. The aniline point of a diesel fuel (the
temperature at which aniline becomes soluble in the diesel)
is an inversely related indicator of aromatic content. Fuels
with aniline points less than 155°F are potentially detrimental
to PDM stators.
2.1.14 Motor Failure Modes
The elastomeric lining of the stator tube is usually the element that
fails first in the power section. The primary causes of rubber failure in
a stator are chunking, debonding, junk damage and excessive surface
rotary speeds.
Measures can be taken to prevent chunking failures and junk damage

but it is difficult to prevent debonding failures (which fortunately are
rare). Chunking prevention is a combination of techniques involving
the rotor/stator fit, bottom hole temperature, drilling fluid selection,
proper operation (use of performance curves), appropriate use of lost
circulation material usage, nozzled rotors, dogleg severity and stator
age tracking. The most obvious prevention technique to prevent junk
damage is ensuring that debris can't get into the mud system or
drillstring.
16 of 22

2.1.14.1 Chunking
Chunking (or chunk out) describes a stator in which the

rubber across the top of the lobes has apparently ripped
away. Chunking occurs when the strength of the friction
force between the rotor lobe and the stator lobe exceeds the
strength of the rubber in the stator. The magnitude of the
friction force between the rotor and the stator is affected by
the lubricity of the mud, interference fit between the rotor and
stator, nutation speed and pressure drop. Most stator
failures result from chunking for various reasons.
2.1.14.2 Debonding
Two bonding agents are used in stators. One agent bonds

to the steel tube, the other agent bonds to the stator
elastomer and both agents bond to one another. Debonding
is defined as the failure of one, two or all three bonds in the
stator:
A) Steel tube to bonding agent

B) Bonding agent to bonding agent
C) Bonding agent to elastomer
Stators failing from debonding typically shed large sheets of

loose elastomer. These sheets of rubber usually have a
smooth-back surface where the stator was molded against
the steel tube. Motor failures from debonding are relatively
rare.
2.1.14.3 Junk Damage
Junk damage is caused by pumping debris or ‘junk’ through

the motor. The stator will have sharp cuts along a spiral
path and the rotor may also have damage along the same
path.
2.1.14.4 Excessive Rotary Speeds
Rotating motors at surface speeds above 80 rpm can

damage the elastomer in the stator. The larger the bend
setting, the more susceptible motors are to damage.
17 of 22

Figure 2K-14: Replacement of Worn Chromed PDM Rotor
Figure 2K-15: Rotors from 2⅞” Short Radius PDM
2.2 Saudi Aramco Utilization of PDM’s
Saudi Aramco began using PDM's in the early 1970's when they purchased
about 40 PDM's of various sizes and configurations and serviced them out of
the Tool House. The PDM's were used mainly for top-hole drilling at that
time. Aramco continued running and servicing company-owned PDM's until
about 1994, when it was no longer deemed economically advantageous. All
PDM's currently utilized by Saudi Aramco fall under Directional Drilling
Contracts. Weatherford, Pathfinder, Anadrill and Sperry PDM's are currently
in use for directional and performance drilling.
18 of 22

Detailed information on motor specifications and performance can be

obtained from Service Company Handbooks. These contain specification
sheets for each of the motors that detail dimensions, fishing limitations and
maximum operating parameters. The handbooks also include nomographs
from which predicted rotational speed, output horsepower and torque can be
obtained from actual motor pressure differential (on-bottom pressure less the
off-bottom pressure) at given flow rates. Example motor specification sheets
for Schlumberger, Sperry and Weatherford PDM's are shown in Fig. 2K-16,
2K-17 and 2K-18 respectively.
Figure 2K-16: Anadrill Specifications for 6¾" 4/5 lobe Standard PDM
19 of 22

Figure 2K-17: Sperry 9⅝” O.D. ¾ Lobe Extended Power Section PDM
+0.
20 of 22

Figure 2K-18: Performance Graph for Sperry 4¾" - 4/5 Lobe - 3.5 Stage PDM
The PDM Performance curves are typically used by entering the base of the graphs at
the X axis with the observed or predicted PDM pressure differential; proceeding up the
graph vertically until the applicable flow rate or torque line is intersected and proceeding
horizontally to read its value on the Y axis.
Example Problem 2K-1: Predict the Rotational Speed, Torque, and Horsepower
developed for a Sperry-Sun 4¾" 4/5 lobe, 3.5 stage PDM when operated at 420 psi
motor differential pressure and cirulation rate of 175 gpm from the applicable
performance specfication sheet.
From the chart above it can be seen that Shaft Rotational Speed = 170 rpm,
Horsepower = 25 Hp and Torque output = 690 ft-lb.
21 of 22

Figure 2K-19: Weatherford 9⅝” O.D. Hyperline Plus LE6735
22 of 22

Chapter 2-J Positive Displacement Motors

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SAUDI ARAMCO DRILLING MANUAL

Drilling Technical Department September 2013

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS

2.0 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS (PDM)

2.2 Saudi Aramco Utilization of PDM’s

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS

A) Rotary and Rock Bit

2.0 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS (PDM)

The Moineau Pump was patented in 1926 by the

Figure 2K-1: Progressive Cavity Pumping System

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

The Positive Displacement Motor, (PDM), which was commercially introduced in

2.1 Principles of Operation and Components

In a positive displacement motor, pressurized circulating fluid is pumped into

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

Figure 2K-2: Positive Displacement Motor

2.1.1 Dump Sub

The geometry of the rotor/stator power unit prevents fluid flow

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

Figure 2K-3: Dump Sub Assembly

2.1.2 Rotor Catch Combination

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

Figure 2K-4: Drilling Motor Rotor Catch Mechanism

2.1.3 Nozzled Rotors

For performance drilling in larger diameter hole sections, adding a

A) When requiring a motor operating flow greater than the

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

A simple hydraulics calculation is used to determine the size of the

*Friction pressure is generally recognized as 125 psi for 4.75" and

Figure 2K-5: Nozzled Rotor

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

2.1.4 Power Section

The output characteristics and performance of a power section are

Figure 2K-6: Cross-Sections of Typical Power Sections

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

A stage is defined as a full helical rotation of the lobed stator (see

Figure 2K-7 - Spiral Stage Length

The power section ‘fit’ is the compression or clearance between the

2.1.5 ERT Power Section

Even Rubber Thickness (ERT) power sections are a variety of the

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

Figure 2K-8: ERT Cross-Section Profile

Within the specified motor operating ranges, bit rotation speed is

Similarly, within the specified motor operating ranges, motor output

The power developed by the rotor and stator is directly proportional to

2.1.6 Adjustable and Fixed Bend Tubular Housings

PDM's can be configured with adjustable bend, fixed bend, straight or

Build Rate, deg./100 ft = 200 x Bent Housing Setting, deg.

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

This equation assumes ideal bottom hole assembly behavior in gauge

Figure 2K-9: Adjustable Bent Housing

2.1.7 Transmission Unit

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

A variety of constant velocity transmission unit designs are employed,

Transmission units are of multi-element design consisting of a central

Figure 2K-10: Transmission Unit

CHAPTER 2 DRILLING PRACTICES

2.1.8 Bearing Section

The bearing assembly consists of multiple thrust bearing cartridges,

Figure 2K-11: Repacking of Bearing Assembly

The bearing assembly is cooled and lubricated by approximately 5-8%