VAREL International has set a new record with the manufacture of a huge 44-inch, steel-toothed, roller cone bit, following an order by Saudi Aramco.
Varel said that the bit, the world’s largest, had been requested specifically, and weighed more than 6,000lbs. It is more than 22% larger in diameter than any previous roller cone bit.
The firm said that the bit featured an advanced cutting structure with optimised row placement, tooth spacing and cutter geometry for increased drilling efficiency. Such attributes minimise tooth wear and prevent cutter tracking in a wide variety of formations and conditions around the globe.
David Harrington, vice-president of Varel’s roller cone technology group, said the ultra-large bit should lead to more efficient operations in-field, by offering a single-bit solution to top-hole drilling, which previously involved drilling a pilot hole and then redrilling with a hole-opening assembly.
Harrington said: “Drilling with this large diameter bit in the top-hole section is a more efficient solution.
“The bit saves the operator time and money through a reduction of tripping to change bits and the need for hole enlargement tools.
“The inaugural run of this innovative product is scheduled for Q1.”
Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world’s largest independent supplier in the global oil & gas drill bit market.