Fractured Basalt Drilling: 91 mm Spiral PDC Bit

Project conditions

• Location: Nandan County, Hechi, Guangxi, China
• Formation: Fractured volcanic rock and basalt
• Drilling rig: 350-class rig with 200-type mud pump
• Drilling tool: 91 mm FS spiral PDC drill bit

Observed result

The recorded penetration was 2 meters per hour with smooth drilling and fewer jams than the previous tooling described in the field feedback.

What this case shows

Fractured hard formations can change tool behavior quickly. This case should be compared with the actual fracture pattern, abrasiveness, flushing and rig operating parameters before selection.