New Bit Designs

GeoDiamond/Smith Bits

High operating temperature (HOT) cutters show gains in durability

Increased wear in a bit (top photo) not equipped with HOT cutters is plainly evident.

GeoDiamond HOT cutters from Smith Bits match the thermal properties of the cutter at the rock/ cutter interface. This results in a two- to five-fold increase in wear resistance when compared to conventional PDC cutters. As a result, the durability of bits equipped with HOT cutters is significantly improved, boosting overall PDC bit performance. This has proved particularly true in inter-bedded formations, sandstones and siltstones.

Prior to introduction of this cutter, increased durability generally came at the expense of compromises in impact resistance. Through design and material innovations, these cutters offer their improved durability without compromising impact resistance. Testing in both lab conditions, and in the field, has shown consistently reduced cutter chipping. This is the result of the cutter providing an improved stress regime across its original geometry for a much longer time.

These cutters remain sharper longer than conventional cutters. By inhibiting the onset of thermal micro-cracking, the cutters offer substantial improvement in wear resistance. This improved resistance translates to increased footage and higher penetration rates in applications where the primary failure mode is cutter wear. This has enabled more formations to be drilled with PDC bits than was the case prior to the advent of this cutter. It is being used successfully in such diverse markets as Texas, Latin America, Canada, the Rockies, the Far East and the Mid-Continent of the US.