Case Study: 8-1/2" SD6522 PDC Bit Delivers Exceptional Performance in Taiyuan Formation, Sulige Gas Field

Company: Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd

Website: https://www.hnsdrillbit.com

1. Project Overview

The Sulige Gas Field, one of China’s largest onshore natural gas reserves, presents significant drilling challenges in the Taiyuan Formation. This formation is characterized by hard, abrasive sandstone and interbedded shale, which historically caused low penetration rates (ROP), frequent bit trips, and extended operational downtime for operators.

In 2024, a major domestic oil and gas operator partnered with Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. to test our 8-1/2" SD6522 PDC drill bit (bit serial number: 2095) in Well Su 76-8-32X, targeting the Taiyuan Formation at a depth interval of 3220m to 3485m. The primary goal was to improve ROP, reduce drilling time, and lower overall well construction costs compared to offset wells using conventional PDC bits.

2. Bit Design & Technical Advantages

The SD6522 PDC bit is engineered specifically for hard, abrasive formations in mature gas fields like Sulige. Key design features that drove performance in this project include:

• Premium PDC Cutters: High-impact, wear-resistant diamond cutters with optimized back rake angles to enhance cutting efficiency and reduce chipping in hard sandstone.
• Hydraulic Optimization: Deep, wide blade channels and strategically placed nozzles to maximize cuttings evacuation, prevent bit balling, and maintain consistent cooling for the cutters.
• Stabilized Blade Structure: Robust, balanced blade design to minimize vibration and lateral movement, ensuring smooth drilling and extended bit life.
• Formation-Specific Profile: Customized cutting structure tailored to the Taiyuan Formation’s lithology, balancing aggressiveness for high ROP with durability for long runs.

3. Field Performance Results

3.1 Drilling Data Summary

3.2 Performance Comparison vs. Offset Wells

• ROP Improvement: The SD6522 bit achieved an average ROP of 9.47 m/h, 35% higher than the average ROP of 7.02 m/h recorded in 3 offset wells in the same Taiyuan Formation interval.
• Single Run Completion: The bit drilled the entire 265m interval in one single run, eliminating the need for a bit trip that would have added 12+ hours of non-productive time (NPT) and associated operational costs.
• Bit Condition After Run: Post-drilling inspection showed minimal wear on the PDC cutters, with no chipping or broken blades, confirming the bit’s durability and potential for extended runs in similar formations.

4. Customer Feedback

“We’ve struggled with slow drilling and frequent bit failures in the Taiyuan Formation of the Sulige Gas Field for years. The 8-1/2" SD6522 PDC bit from Shaanxi Hainaisen completely changed the game for us. In Well Su 76-8-32X, we hit an average ROP of 9.47 m/h, which is 35% faster than our typical performance in this interval, and we finished the entire 265m section in one run without any issues. The bit’s wear after pulling out of the hole was far better than any competitor bit we’ve used here.This result directly cut our drilling time by over 10 hours for this section, reduced our bit costs, and kept our well project on schedule. We’ve now standardized the SD6522 bit for all our Taiyuan Formation wells in the Sulige block, and we’re extremely satisfied with the consistent performance and support from the Hainaisen team.”— Drilling Supervisor, Major Domestic Oil & Gas Operator, Changqing Oilfield

5. Conclusion

The successful deployment of the 8-1/2" SD6522 PDC bit in Well Su 76-8-32X demonstrates Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.’s expertise in developing formation-specific drill bit solutions for challenging onshore gas fields. By delivering a 35% ROP improvement, eliminating costly bit trips, and reducing overall operational downtime, the SD6522 bit has become a trusted solution for operators in the Sulige Gas Field and similar hard-rock drilling environments.

At Hainaisen, we combine advanced PDC bit design, rigorous field testing, and close customer collaboration to deliver measurable cost savings and performance gains for our clients worldwide. For more information on our SD6522 PDC bit or custom drilling solutions, contact our technical team today.

About Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.

Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance PDC drill bits, diamond composite cutters, and downhole drilling tools for the global oil, gas, and geothermal industries. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer success, we deliver tailored solutions that maximize drilling efficiency and reduce operational costs in the most challenging formations.

Visit our website: https://www.hnsdrillbit.com to explore our full product portfolio and case studies.