New Erosion Resistance PDC Bit Coating Eliminates Balling in Water-Based Drilling Fluids in Saudi Arabia

The tendency of PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits to ball in soft shale formations when drilling with WBM is well documented, especially in deep/high-pressure applications. The capacity of shale to absorb water causes the formation to stick to the bit body and cutting structure compromising drilling efficiency. Balling also clogs the nozzles and junk slots reducing hydraulic effectiveness/cooling leading to accelerated cutter wear and premature bit failure. In Saudi Arabia’s fields, a typical well requires approximately 1,600-2,200 ft of a 12-in. vertical borehole or 3,000 ft of a 12-in. directional borehole to be drilled through carbonates, shale and claystone lithologies. The middle part of the section is composed of mainly claystone, which is the most problematic zone. In recent wells, bit balling incidents through the claystone interval was reducing average rate of penetration (ROP) to less than 10 ft/hr, and in certain cases forced to pull out of hole (POOH). PDC bits with various hydraulics configurations and non-stick coatings were tested in an attempt to alleviate balling issues. The thin layer eroded before the bit entered the problematic zone, exposing the rough bit body. An R&D initiative determined mechanical and electrochemical sticking contributes to bit balling. The investigation revealed a coarse bit body increases surface area and adhesive force. When mud flow stops an electrostatic force can cause clay to stick to the bit surface. Based on these findings a new type nickel-phosphorus electroplating process was implemented that creates a thick/durable coating with an extremely strong chemical bond. This paper reviews the investigation process and findings of three case studies in the Saudi Arabian fields. The new anti balling coating was applied to a seven bladed PDC design and run on a powered point-the-bit rotary steerable system. The bottom-hole assembly (BHA) drilled the entire section achieving a field ROP record. Drill bits with the new anti-balling coating were also tested in vertical wells in different gas fields setting new bit performance benchmarks.