Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, introduced the Stinger conical diamond technology last month. The bit features an ultrathick polycrystalline diamond layer that is thicker than conventional PDC cutters. The Stinger element enables high-point loading to fracture rock more efficiently, thereby increasing ROP in sandstone, shale, and limestone.
A recent Bakken case study showed a 46% increase in ROP when SHARC PDC bits were fitted with Stinger and 16mm cutters. Run on a directional BHA, the bits drilled 83/4in vertical sections between 6209ft and 6477ft in single trips. The bits attained an average ROP of 168ft/h that included a run with an average ROP of 203ft/h.