Endure Hard & Abrasive Formations
High temperature drilling environments, seen most commonly in geothermal wells, provide a unique set of challenges for downhole equipment. In many of these applications the tungsten carbide insert (TCI) roller cone bits used to drill these wells must endure hard and abrasive formations to access steam or hot rock in basement formations where temperatures can exceed 500 degF.
At that temperature, a standard 300 degF-rated bit’s elastomer seals and lubricating material quickly degrades, causing bearing failure, resulting in operational inefficiencies: reduced on-bottom drilling hours leading to multiple bit runs/trips, and increased development costs.
Drilling for unique energy calls for a unique bit
The new Kaldera high-temperature roller cone drill bit represents a new line of bits with an innovative bearing system that comprises new proprietary composite elastomer seals with specialized fabric compounds and a proprietary high-temperature grease formula. These innovations increase seal life, lubricity, and load capacity at elevated temperatures for HT applications.
Kaldera drill bits have a proven track record for high-temperature operations around the world. Our suite of best-in-class HT technology and high-temperature-certified engineers includes products and services for directional drilling, MWD, and LWD. See the HT suite
Combining these developments in new seal materials and grease formulation, Kaldera drill bits are designed using the IDEAS drillbit design platform. In harsh environment drilling applications, the IDEAS platform can accurately model the dynamic behavior of the bit in hard and abrasive formations. This can lead to enhancements to the cutting structure to improve penetration rates and gauge durability. In the most demanding applications, the introduction of diamond material on gauge and heel can further enhance the durability cutting structure.
Proven durability in high-temperature applications
Tested against baseline bits, in geothermal superheated steam applications where temperatures can reach 530 degF, the new Kaldera roller cone drill bit was clearly the top performer:
- On-bottom drilling time was 3% to 37% greater
- Average run length was 33% greater
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