Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Diamond
Impregnated Bits
IMax BIT
HIP Segments Tailored
for Applications
Segment Protrusion
for Better Cooling
and Cleaning
CFD Optimized
Waterways
Diamond Impregnated
Blades
IMax BIT
DIAMOND SELECTION AND MATRIX DISTRIBUTION
ARE CRUCIAL
High-performance IMax and IMax+ bits are based on the latest in design, material
and manufacturing science. Varel begins with a strict diamond selection process
to ensure each area of the bit utilizes diamonds of similar size and quality.
The diamonds are then pelletized. Pelletization prevents diamond aggregates and
reduces areas of low diamond concentration for a more uniform stone distribution
within the matrix material. This process improves diamond/matrix bonding which
results in a more consistent wear pattern during the bit run.
The same process is followed in manufacturing the HIP segments that form the
bits cutting elements. These segments undergo a sintering process to achieve
reduced porosity. The finished HIP segments are then positioned in the bit blades
in specific patterns determined by Varels proprietary SPOT bit design program.
The high segment standoff improves fluid flow for better bit face cleaning and
cooling action.
A proprietary controlled-atmosphere infiltration process is then applied to the entire
bit. The controlled temperature environment reduces oxidation and graphitization to
improve bit wear characteristics and durability.
Old Diamond
Impregnated Bit
New IMax
Pelletization Process
Superior hydraulics
For optimum hydraulics, Varel impregnated bit designs
undergo extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
evaluations to ensure a configuration that eliminates
re-grinding and re-circulation of drilled cuttings a
common occurrence when drilling hard and abrasive
applications. The sophisticated CFD process identifies
and eliminates possible stagnation zones, resulting in a
hydraulics configuration that improves cleaning efficiency,
segment and cutter cooling, and ROP. Segment standoff
also improves fluid flow.
SPOT Graph
DELIVERING BEYOND
BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE
IMax DIAMOND-IMPREGNATED BIT
SETS PERFORMANCE RECORDS
WITH DEBUT APPLICATION IN
BOLIVIA
In its initial application in Bolivia, where hard and
abrasive formations limit ROP and accelerate bit
wear, a Varel 6" (153.25 mm) diamond-impregnated
bit VI1213DGX set new performance records in both
footage and ROP to achieve the lowest cost per foot
for the slim hole section.
The design of the VI1213DGX impregnated bit was
customized for turbine drilling in the formations
sandstone and naturally fractured quartz. The
objective was to drill as much footage as possible
from 5,206 m (17,080 ft) measured depth while
maintaining a competitive ROP.
The bit drilled 430 m (1,410 ft) in a single run,
increasing footage drilled by 120% compared
to the previous-best 6" run. An average ROP
of 2.43 m/h (8 ft/hr) was 30% faster than the
ROP of the next-longest run.
World Headquarters
Dallas, Texas USA
Tel: 1.800.827.3526
Tel: +1.972.242.1160
Fax: +1.972.242.8770
info@varelintl.com
Varel manufactures drill bits for the global oil and gas industry as well as
for the blasthole mining, industrial, construction and water well drilling
communities. We are committed to delivering ever-increasing value to
our customers and other stakeholders by exceeding industry standards
for performance, service and innovation.