A Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bit is a highly durable, fixed-cutter bit used in oil, gas, geothermal, and mining industries to shear rock using synthetic diamond cutters. Unlike roller cone bits that crush rock, PDC bits scrape or gouge formations, offering higher rates of penetration (ROP), longer life, and superior performance in shale and soft-to-medium hard rock.
Key Components and Features:
Cutters: The cutters are synthetic diamond disks, typically 1/8-in thick and 1/2 to 1 in in diameter, made by bonding industrial-grade diamond to a tungsten carbide substrate.
Body Types: PDC bits come in either Matrix body (highly erosion-resistant) or Steel body (superior impact resistance).
Mechanism: They operate through a continuous shearing or gouging action, which is efficient for fast drilling.
Applications: They are widely used for drilling shale, sandstone, limestone, and geothermal wells due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and abrasive environments.
Advantages:
High ROP: They achieve significantly higher penetration rates compared to traditional bits in suitable formations.
Durability: The extreme hardness of the diamond cutters makes them highly wear-resistant.
Efficiency: Lack of moving parts reduces the need for frequent, costly bit change.