The North Sea operation of a global independent energy company has just completed a contract and was the first to use what is believed to be the world’s largest oilfield drilling bit.
Varel Oil & Gas Dill Bits was commissioned by Hess Corp. to design and build a 45in L111 (1.143m) diameter drill-bit and the 5100lbs heavyweight was manufactured in Mexico before being shipped to Aberdeen for use in the Danish North Sea.
The milled-tooth roller cone bit was built to drill top hole sections big enough to run two subsequent 16in sections in a splitter well configuration by installing 40in conductor through 46in guides. The hybrid bit, which incorporates an interchangeable polycrystalline diamond compact bit in the center, avoids the need for the pilot hole/rat hole traditionally associated with a hole opener assembly, as well as offering easier handling and reduced risk of failure. It is being used over a series of splitter top holes in two drilling platforms located in the North Sea.
Image form Varel Intl.
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