WorldWide Drilling Resource

24 MAY 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® New Hybrid Drill Bit for Oil and Gas Industry Adapted from a Press Release by Baker Hughes Baker Hughes announced the commercial release of its line of Kymera™ XTreme (XT) hybrid drill bits, designed to help oil and gas operators lower their well construction costs through faster and more durable drilling performance. The bits, which combine the strengths of PDC and tricone bit tech- nology, offer the smooth, consistent performance of previous genera- tions of hybrid bits, while dramatically improving penetration rates and run life. Kymera XT drill bits are available in a variety of designs, each capable of addressing specific challenges in numerous applications, for- mation types, and hole sizes. In addition to drilling faster, the new hybrid bits also offer a dynamic balanced design which reduces torque fluctuations to minimize damage to the bit, delivering efficient performance in both ver- tical and curve sections. They also offer superior steerability and control in difficult environments, including carbonates and in- terbedded formations, which pushes conventional drill bits to their limits. These bits also offer sharper, more durable cutting structures and incorporate enhanced shapes and carbide grades for improved aggressiveness and accelerated penetration rates. These advanced designs provide added tool face control, enabling the drilling of longer distances at higher buildup rates than was previously possible, while maintaining a high-quality borehole throughout extended runs. Blade and roller cone designs can be optimized based on the operator’s application to deliver a va- riety of benefits including long, section-to-section runs and enhanced durability during transitions between formations. “Kymera XTreme hybrid bits combine the control and rock-crushing strength of a tricone bit with the speed and shearing action of a PDC bit and, in almost every case, are more durable than either of the alternatives,” said Scott Schmidt, vice pres- ident of the drill bits division at Baker Hughes. “This combination delivers a bit capable of drilling longer vertical and curve sec- tions at higher speeds and in a variety of challenging formations - an extremely valuable tool to help our customers effectively manage their well construction costs in this challenging business environment.” New Era of Internet-Connected Devices, People, and Equipment Complied by the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® The “Internet of Things” (IoT) is a growing topic of interest, both in and out of the workplace. What exactly is the IoT? Simply put, it’s the concept of connecting any device with on and off switches to the Internet (and/or each other). This includes everyday items such as cell phones, coffee makers, washing ma- chines, lamps, wearable devices, and the list goes on. It also applies to machine parts, such as a plane’s jet engines or an oil rig’s drill. Analysts predict by 2020 as many as 100 billion devices could be connected. The new rule for the future will be...Any- thing that can be connected, will be connected. The ability to use standard Internet technologies across companies, all the way down to individual field devices, has blazed a trail of connectivity for mining and exploration. It has increased productivity, made better use of assets, and helped industrial companies make more informed decisions. According to Systems Engineer Michael Boland, “The IoT is connecting people in more relevant, valuable, and meaningful ways; delivering the right information to the right person or machine in real time.” Amine in Canada has established a new technology standard for the future of mining by applying IoT technologies across the site. Increased connectivity also means better safety for Goldcorp’s Éléonore gold mine in northern Québec. The mine uses IoT to stay in communication with under- ground workers. Goldcorp manages communications with workers through a single, multiservice, secure IP network which personnel above- or belowground can access through a range of devices, including smartphones. Using this technology underground has made a substantial impact since it can take an employee up to 40minutes to physically get back up to the surface. With the option to check e-mail or attendmeetings through underground video conferences, the time savings - and thus productivity gains - can really add up. Goldcorp has used technology to link tags worn by all underground employees to their equip- ment, as well as to an intelligent ventilation system at the Éléonore gold mine. The system identifies miners’ and vehicles’ locations, and turns on ventilation fans only when necessary. The system can also sense the kind of ve- hicle moving into a particular zone, and adjust fan speeds according to the vehicle’s emissions. All of this translates to an ex- pected savings of up to $2.5 million. The IoT is complex to say the least, but is definitely taking the mining industry by storm, bringing new and exciting oppor- tunities. The sector potentially has much to gain from the benefits IoT has to offer, especially when it comes to the daily fun- damentals of safety and productivity. Photos courtesy of Goldcorp.