A Real Mathematical Model to Compute the PDC Cutter Wear Value to Terminate PDC Bit Run
Authors: Gouda G. Mohamed , Maestrami M. , Saif M. A. , Shalaby S. E. , Farhat M. S. , Dahab A. S. 
Published: September 2011

Drilling operations became more expensive and complicated day by day due to many reasons affecting directly the daily drilling cost. One of the most effective cost reductions was the fixed cutter bit solution which effectively achieved higher drilling progress and reduces overall well cost. Also, in some cases PDC bit may raise the well cost due to slow down in the penetration rate or stopped drilling to retrieve mechanical parts from the hole due to bit fatigue and followed by extra trips for junking or fishing operations. The present study focuses on most of the factors affecting fixed cutter bit design, drilling parameters that influence the bit cutting structure wear and led to the bit poor progress. All previous PDC bit mathematical models used before for determining the cutters wear value not considered real methodology on rig site to assure cutters wear and gives a proper decision to terminate the PDC bit run. Study investigated four mathematical models had calculated the PDC cutters wear using the influences of the rock strength, rock temperature and mechanical drilling parameters. These models are theoretical and applied within the lab test devices, most of models not achieved significant benefit to use in rig site applications. New model had developed to compute PDC wear value as function of surface torque arises from the friction between the drill string, bit interaction with well bore and rock on bottom. Both resistance created by the string and bit are converted to output data realized by the gauge in front the driller in rig floor and mud logging unit. Analog or digital data reflects the torque obtained from rotating the bottom hole assembly (Drill pipe, string stabilizer and bit) against the wall of hole and formation strength. Mathematical model calculates the theoretical torque for string tool joint, stabilizer and PDC bit cutters allocated in nose up to gauge area. In reality, when BHA rotates off bottom torque created is representing the summation of string tool joint and stabilizer. An additional torque realizes on surface when BHA on bottom and WOB applied then this bit torque value will be compared by model bit torque. This later obtained bit torque percentage that represents the cutters wear value preoperational to cutter height. New mathematical model had created visual analog graphs will help to take decision when stop drilling and terminate the PDC bit run. Field validation test had run in two main concessions in Egypt Western desert and Gulf of Suez with total 6 PDC bit runs using different bit size, type, cutter sizes and different bottom hole assembly (Rotary-steerable). The filed results showed significant correction in cutter wear magnitude between the model calculation and field runs, this error factor less than 10% in hard formation and less than 20% in medium to soft formations. Author set the correction in model and treated in easy way to be used on field by driller and drilling engineers to help them how to determine the PDC bit cutting structure wear value.