Case Study: 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC Bit Delivers Exceptional Performance in Shihezi Formation, Sulige Gas Field
Company: Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd
Website: https://www.hnsdrillbit.com/
1. Project Overview
This case study presents the field performance of Hainaisen’s 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC drill bit in the Sulige Gas Field, a key natural gas production area in the Ordos Basin, China. The bit was deployed in Well Su 76-8-32X, operated by Rig 40695, targeting the highly abrasive Shihezi Formation, a challenging sandstone interval known for low drillability and high bit wear.
Key Project Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Bit Model | 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC Bit |
| Bit Serial No. | 2571 |
| Well No. | Su 76-8-32X |
| Rig No. | 40695 |
| Drilling Interval | 3100m – 3220m |
| Target Formation | Shihezi Formation (tight sandstone) |
| Total Footage Drilled | 120m |
| Net Drilling Time | 18 hours |
| Average ROP (Rate of Penetration) | 6.7 m/h |
2. Challenge
The Shihezi Formation in the Sulige Gas Field presents significant drilling challenges:
- Highly abrasive tight sandstone with interbedded hard layers, leading to rapid bit wear and low penetration rates
- Complex lithology with variable rock strength, requiring a bit design that balances aggressiveness and durability
- Operational demand for reduced drilling time and lower cost per foot, critical for large-scale gas field development
Prior to deploying the SD6545 bit, offset wells in the same formation experienced average ROPs below 5 m/h, with frequent bit trips due to premature wear, increasing non-productive time (NPT) and operational costs.
3. Solution: Hainaisen 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC Bit
Hainaisen’s SD6545 PDC bit was engineered specifically for hard, abrasive formations like the Shihezi sandstone. Key design features that drove performance include:
- Premium PDC cutters with enhanced impact and abrasion resistance, optimized for long-lasting cutting efficiency
- Hydraulic optimization with high-flow nozzles and efficient cutter cooling, reducing bit balling and improving cuttings evacuation
- Robust bit body and blade design for structural integrity under high weight-on-bit (WOB) and torque conditions
- Customized cutter layout to balance aggressiveness and wear resistance, ideal for tight sandstone drilling
4. Field Performance Results
In Well Su 76-8-32X, the SD6545 bit delivered outstanding results that exceeded offset well performance:
- Total footage drilled: 120m in a single run, eliminating the need for a mid-run bit change
- Average ROP: 6.7 m/h, a 34% improvement over the offset well average of 5 m/h
- Net drilling time: 18 hours, reducing NPT and accelerating well completion
- Bit condition post-run: Minimal wear on cutters, with no significant damage, demonstrating exceptional durability in abrasive formations
Performance Summary
| Metric | SD6545 Bit Performance | Offset Well Average | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average ROP | 6.7 m/h | 5.0 m/h | +34% |
| Single Run Footage | 120m | 85m | +41% |
| Drilling Time for 120m | 18h | 24h | -25% |
5. Customer Benefits
By deploying Hainaisen’s SD6545 PDC bit, the operator achieved significant operational and economic benefits:
- Reduced drilling costs: Lower cost per foot due to higher ROP and fewer bit trips
- Faster well delivery: 25% reduction in drilling time for the Shihezi interval, accelerating project timelines
- Minimized operational risk: Fewer downhole trips reduce the risk of wellbore instability and other drilling hazards
- Proven reliability: Consistent performance in a challenging formation, validated for large-scale field deployment
6. Conclusion
The 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC bit from Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. has proven to be a high-performance solution for drilling in the abrasive Shihezi Formation of the Sulige Gas Field. With its optimized design for hard, tight sandstone, the bit delivered a 34% higher ROP and 41% longer single-run footage compared to offset wells, delivering tangible cost and time savings for the operator.
Hainaisen remains committed to developing innovative drill bit solutions that address the unique challenges of oil and gas drilling worldwide. For more information on our PDC bit products and custom drilling solutions, visit our website at https://www.hnsdrillbit.com/.
About Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of premium PDC drill bits, roller cone bits, and downhole drilling tools for the global oil, gas, and geothermal industries. With a focus on R&D, quality, and customer-centric solutions, we deliver high-performance drilling products that reduce operational costs and improve efficiency for operators worldwide.
