WorldWide Drilling Resource

WorldWide Drilling Resource ® is a proud member of this association. National Drilling Association Tel: 877-632-4748 Fax: 216-803-9900 www.nda4u.com 11 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2015 More About Bits by Scott Cosby The topic this month is focused on bits. Bits advance a borehole in what- ever type of drilling - geotechnical, water well, environmental, etc. I’ve discussed in detail the type of bits used in my geotechnical experiences - see WWDR October and December 2009 articles. In this article, I’ll try to expand on the topic by discussing what to look for in bit manufacturers, and reiterating the basic aspects concerning bits. When selecting the best drill bit manufacturer, in my opinion, the most positive aspect of any company should be variety! Variety in bit types - and they should allow a number of custom man- ufacturing options and any thread con- nection, to fit a wide range of drilling requirements. There’s a wide selection of quality bit manufacturers on the mar- ket today. The best option here is to do the research - ask questions, gather quotes, and make the best selection for the type of drilling being done. In the previous articles mentioned, the agency I work for uses bits for geo- technical or shallow exploration drilling activities. The basic bits used in this type of drilling, or any other, depend on the materials (soil and rock) which lie below the surface. In other words, know the basic geology you are working in when making your drill bit selection! Bit maintenance is vitally important! Clean bits well after each drilling project, lubricate to prevent rust, and store them properly in a rig compartment or base facility when not in use. Bit inspection should be done on a regular basis to keep an eye out for severe wear and possible deterioration. Severe bit wear and/or deterioration will cost in terms of effective drilling operations and requires bit replacement. Achieving a higher rate of penetra- tion is vital for any drilling project. With continual in-field testing and technolog- ical advancements, expectations are higher than ever. Reducing drilling times and overall costs requires a constant review of drilling operations, underlying geology, correct bit selection, and main- tenance to achieve quality drilling oper- ations in the field. Scott Scott Cosby may be contacted via e-mail at michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com )0&"%1 "6)&4 ,, ,, 2)&0 -%3120*"+ )0&"%1 "-% 312., )0&"%1 "-3'"$230&0 .' -&02*" !&+%&% 0*++ */& 3"+ !"++ 0*++ */& !*0&+*-& 0*++ .% "1*-( .,/.1*2& !*0&+*-& 0*++ .%1 .-*$ 0*++ */& "1*-( *21 &0$311*.- "1*-( *21 0*++ .++"01 *1)*-( ..+1 3#1 2"02&0 .%1 "-% 2"#*+*7&01 0*++ */& -$ )*0% 2 8 !*-12&% ).-& 8 8 "5 2., %0*++/*/&*-$ $., 8 444 %0*++/*/&*-$ $., Cosby trans. cont’d on page 12.