Case Study: 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC Bit Sets New Performance Record in Liujiagou Formation, Sulige Gasfield
Client: CNPC Changqing Oilfield Company
Operating Team: Well Team 40695
Well Designation: Su 76-5-29X, Ordos Basin
Supplier: Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (HNS Drill Bit)
Official Website: https://www.hnsdrillbit.com/
1. Project Overview
The Sulige Gasfield, situated in the Ordos Basin, is a core tight gas accumulation area in China. The Liujiagou Formation here is dominated by high-quartz hard sandstone with severe abrasiveness, posing extreme challenges for PDC bit performance—including rapid cutter wear, low rate of penetration (ROP), and short single-bit footage, which directly leads to frequent tripping operations and elevated drilling costs.
Well Su 76-5-29X required drilling the 2224m–2848m interval (total interval length: 624m) in the Liujiagou Formation. The client’s core requirements were:
- Extend single-bit footage to minimize tripping frequency
- Boost mechanical ROP to shorten the overall drilling cycle
- Ensure stable bit operation and superior wear resistance in high-abrasion formations
2. Customized Solution: 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC Drill Bit
Hainaisen’s R&D team tailored the 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC bit to the geological characteristics of the Sulige Gasfield, with core design optimizations:
- Cutting Structure: 5-blade design equipped with 13mm high-impact PDC cutters, featuring an optimized back-rake angle to enhance cutting efficiency in hard sandstone
- Hydraulic System: Large-flow nozzles and high-efficiency chip removal channels, effectively preventing balling and reducing cutter temperature during high-load drilling
- Body & Wear Protection: High-strength steel body with premium hardfacing treatment, significantly improving impact resistance and wear lifespan; aggressive gauge protection maintains wellbore integrity and reduces gauge wear
- Bore Profile: Short taper structure ensures stable bit guidance and precise wellbore control
3. On-Site Performance Metrics
| Parameter | Actual Outcome | Industry Average (Liujiagou Formation) | Performance Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bit Size | 8-1/2" (215.9mm) | 8-1/2" | - |
| Drilling Interval | 2224m – 2848m | - | - |
| Total Drilled Footage | 642m | ~350m | +83.4% |
| Net Drilling Time | 35 hours | ~50 hours | -30% |
| Average Mechanical ROP | 18.34 m/h | ~7 m/h | +162% |
| Formations | Liujiagou Formation (Hard Sandstone) | Liujiagou Formation | - |
Note: The bit achieved full single-well interval footage, exceeding the client’s initial expectation of 624m.
4. Client Feedback (On-Site Technical Team)
“Over the years, we have tested PDC bits from several international and domestic suppliers for the Liujiagou Formation, but Hainaisen’s SD6545 has delivered the most outstanding results.
The 642m single-bit footage was beyond our imagination—we originally prepared two bits for this interval, but one SD6545 completed the entire drilling task. The average ROP of 18.34 m/h reduced our net drilling time by nearly 30% compared to conventional operations, which greatly shortened the well delivery cycle and saved substantial rig time costs.
After tripping out, the bit remained in excellent condition: minimal cutter wear, complete gauge retention, and no vibration or instability issues during the entire run. No reaming operations were required, which further verified the bit’s reliability.
We will firmly select Hainaisen’s PDC bits for future drilling projects in the Sulige Gasfield, and we strongly recommend HNS Drill Bit products to other operators in this region.”
—— Well Team Leader, Well Team 40695, CNPC Changqing Oilfield Company
5. Project Value & Conclusion
The successful application of the 8-1/2" SD6545 PDC bit in Well Su 76-5-29X fully validates Hainaisen’s capability in developing formation-specific drilling tools. Core benefits include:
- Cost Efficiency: 83.4% increase in single-bit footage eliminated one tripping operation, saving over 20 hours of rig time and tens of thousands of RMB in operational costs
- Efficiency Boost: 162% higher ROP significantly accelerated the drilling cycle, ensuring on-time well delivery
- Technical Reliability: The bit’s superior wear resistance and operational stability proved its adaptability to the harsh geological conditions of the Sulige Gasfield
Shaanxi Hainaisen Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. continues to focus on R&D and innovation of high-performance PDC drill bits, providing customized drilling solutions for global oil & gas operators. For more product information and case studies, please visit our official website: https://www.hnsdrillbit.com/
