Engineering Design of

rill in^ aperations t

ABSTRACT
The drilling character of the formations t o be penetrated is the only non-variable quantity i n a drilling
operation. If parameters of these fornlations a r e known,
the operation can be designed f o r lowest cost b y varying r i g equipment and drilling practices. The wells can
be "drilled" on paper several times and the best available drilling equipment and practices can be preselected.
This paper discusses the formation parameters necessary f o r design and a routine, simple technique f o r
obtaining them. These parameters can be used to select
the best operating levels of weight and rotary speed

for a given rig. The economics of using various available rigs to drill a subject well can be evaluated by
balancing the operating costs of the rigs against the
projected drilling performance. Non-drilling time performance of the various rigs can be evaluated by past
performance. A n example of engineering design is
given.
The science of progranled drilling operations is still
in its infancy. A section of this paper discusses current
points of weakness which require further study. A
concept of how this technology will be used in the future
is given.

INTRODUCTION
Engineering design i n a n y endeavor concerns the application of theoretical o r empirical knowledge about
the behavior of materials, machines, o r structures i n
various working environments.
When a n engineer designs a machine, a bridge, o r
anything else, he first determines the nature of the job
the loads will be, the presto be accomplished-what
sures, the temperatures. When this i s known, he applies
his knowledge of the performance of various materials
and techniques and comes up with a design t h a t will
accomplish the purpose. He then refines his plan in the
light of economics. He makes alterations until the final
design represents the best balance between required
performance and econonlics. When a plan is devised
that will most economically fill the need, design is
complete.
Design implies that a plan has been made and, therefore, suggests some degree of control over the outcome
of a sequence of events can be exercised. Drilling operations a r e not usually designed in this manner. Dl-illers,
to a degree, a r e controlled by formations they drill
rather than exercising control. We put bits in the hole,
turn to the right, and take what we get.
The engineer is able to predict the pel-fomn~ance of
materials, such a s steel, because the properties of these
materials have been studied in detail and recorded.
Every time a drill bit penetrates a formation, information about the performance of the bit and the nature of
t h e formation is generated. If this information is recorded and properly evaluated, i t can be used to make
predictions about the outcome of future drilling operations. The merit of attaining improved performance
during certain phases of a drilling operation can be
evaluated by a complete analysis of the effects on the
overall econon~icsof the operation.

The technique of operations research consists generally of predicting the outcome of all available courses
of action and then selecting the best one, according to
some pre-selected criteria. Operations research of a
drilling job would consist of a n analysis of the operation a s i t would be conducted by all possible combinations of equipment and practices. Selection of the best
method by the criterion of minimum cost could then be
accomplished.
The only quantity t h a t is not subject to change i n a
given well is the drilling character of the formations
to be penetrated. The formations a r e what they a r e
and cannot be changed. Once the cl~aracteristicsof t h e
formations a r e known, however, other factors of t h e
operation-such a s equipment and weight--rotary-speed
practices--can be studied and the best combination selected on a least-cost basis.
Engineering design of drilling operations encompasses operations research and consists of: 1, empirical
deteinlination of the drilling parameters f o r the fonnations to be penetrated; 2, "drilling" the well on paper
several times using the various available rig equipment
and practices; 3, t h e selection of the combination of
equipment and drilling practices t h a t will result in
lowest cost.

*Tenneco Oil Co , Houston, Texas.

?Presented at the sllnng meeting of the Southern District, API
D~visionof Production, March 1964.

T H E DESIGN PROBLEM
There are two types of problem that may face the
designer of a drilling operation. First, if the r i g t h a t
will drill the well has already been selected, design
consists of select~onof bit weight, rotary speed, and
hydraulics programs which will lead to minimum cost
f o r that rig. Second i s the greater problem of selection
of the r i g from several available rigs that can diill the
hole a t lowest cost and best practices f o r t h a t rig.
The following sections of this report will explore
techniques t h a t can be used to solve either of these
problems.

WEIGHT

Fig. 1 - Effect of Weight on Drilling Rate

Weight-Rotary
Speed
The concept of o p t i n ~ u nbit
~ weight and rotary speed
combinations f o r nlininlutn clrilling cost was first describecl i n 1959 by Speerl and by Graham and Muench.'
I n 1960 and 1963, Galle and Woods3,' published additional perfection of this technique.
The basic theory of this work recognizes that both
drilling rate and bit wear a r e functions of weight on
blt and rotary speecl. This being the case, there sl~ould
exist a combination of weight and rotary speecl t h a t
will lead to a lower drilling cost per foot than any
other.
The following paragraphs review the fundamental
relationships t h a t underlie this concept.

weight on bit can be described mathematically a s (DR)

a (W-C). Drilling r a t e varies a s weight on bit minus
threshold weight.
A t constant bit weight and l~ydranlicslevel if rotary
speecl is increased, drilling rate increases. The response
of drilling rate to increase in rotary speed is less than
linear.5.'"" This response will vary with formation type
but can be expressed a s DR a N", a having a value
less than 1. This i s shown in Fig. 2.
A s the bit teeth wear, the bit beconles less effective
a s a drilling tool. The rate of penetration with a worn
o r partially worn bit is some fraction of the rate of
penetration with a new bit a t otherwise constant conditions. This is shown i n Fig. 3. The degree to which
the drilling rate diminishes a s the bit wears depends
upon the nature of the fortnation, the bit type, and
perhaps the drilling fluid. Some bits drill some formations a t almost the same rate when dull a s when new.
This relationship may be determined by observing the
drilling-rate behavior a s the bit wears a t constant
weight and rotary speecl.
The conlbination of these three relationships allows
one to espress the clrilling rate i n any interval a s a
function of bit weight, rotary speecl, and bit condition
a s follows:

The value of K (called the "drillability constant") is

determined by the formation, bit type, and mucl propertles. This value can be calculated from field data a s
mill be shown in a later section.

Effect of Bit Wcight, Rotctry Speed, n~1dBit Conditio~~

on Bit-tooth IVeav
The rate a t which bit teeth wear ( W R ) when drilling

Effect of Bit Weight, Rotciry Speed, C L T L ~Bit Conctition

on Penetration Rate
A t constant rotary speecl, bit condition and level of
hydraulics, if weight on bit is increased, drilling r a t e
increases until a rate is reached a t which hydraulics
a r e not sufficient to remove generated cuttings. This
point is referrecl to a s the "flounder" o r "ball-up" point.
Further weight increases may actually result in a reduction of drilling rate. Although some theoreticalg.'
and laboratorye,' work have shown t h a t i n some specific cases response of drilling rate to bit weight increases may be greater than linear, field data8-' show
t h a t the increase i n drilling rate is i n direct proportion
to the increase i n bit weight u p to the "flounder" ,point.
This is shown in Fig. 1. The intercept of t h e straightline portion of t h e curve is C. This is believed t o be
the threshold weight a t which tooth penetration commences. The relationship between clrilling rate and
IReferences are at the end of the paper.

D R. a
Fig. 2

- Effect of

NO

Rpm on Drilling Rate

a given foinlation in a given fluid environn~enta t constant rotary speed, depends upon the bit weight. Fig. 4
shows this relationship. A t low bit weights, rate of wear
is low. A s weight increases, wear increases until some
bit weight is reached which would cause the teeth to be
destroyed instantaneously. This relationship can be expressed as:

The r a t e of tooth wear ( W R ) varies a s 1 over the

difference between the weight on bit ( W ) and t h e
maxlmum allowable bit weight (Q). 10,000 lb per inch
of bit diameter is a good figure to use f o r Q.
A t constant bit weight, bit teeth wear faster a t 11ig11
rotary speeds than a t low." This function is shown i n
Fig. 5. A t low rotary speeds, wear rate is low. A s
rotary speed increases, rate of wear increases a t a rate
greater than the increase in rotary speed., This function
can be expressed as:

F o r the range of rotary speed between 50 and 250 rpm,

x has a value of approximately 1.1.
With otherwise constant cond~tions,the worn condition of the bit teeth affects the r a t e of tooth wear.
When thinking of the rate of wear or the time required
to wear away a given increment of tooth height, i t can
be seen that, because of the geometry of the bit teeth, it
will take longer to wear t h e last increment of t h e tooth
height than was required to wear away the first increment of the tooth. This relationship can be simplified
by considering the ratio of the tooth flat width a t a n y
worn condition to the flat width when the bit is new.

WEIGHT

WR a

Fig. 4 -Effect

1
0-W

of Weight on Rate of Tooth Wear

I t should be pointed out t h a t this relationship is different for each bit type and size.
This function can be expressed as:

f (D)is a function t h a t h a s a value of 1 when the tooth

is new and a value when the tooth is completely dull
t h a t is equal to the ratio of t h e width of t h e tooth a t
the base to the tooth-flat width when new. Since the
inner-row teeth on rolling-cutter bits usually receive
the most wear, i t is this tooth geometry t h a t is used.
For example, assume that a bit with inner-row teeth
having a flat of l/i,; in. when new has a tooth-base width
of % (Y$G) in. The f(D) f o r this bit would take the
form f(D) = FI- F,D,FI being the base width divided by the flat width and F2having a value of 1 less
than F , or, in this case, 7.

TOOTH HEIGHT
D.R. a
Fig. 3

1
f(h)

- Effect of Tooth Wear on Drilling Rate

Fig. 5 -Effect of Rpm on Rate of Tooth Wear

f(D1 for 8 3 4 W 7 - R

----

Effect of B i t W e i g h t and Rotary Speed on Bearing W e a r

Many bits fail because of bearing wear. Bearingwear relationships have been described by Graham and
Muench,2 and verified by Wardlaw." These relationships,
shown in Fig. 7, can be described as:

Z7-6.7D

IS

Golle and Woods equot~on

t h e o r e t ~ c a l equot~on

T = bit life i n hoztrs

= B/WYN
y
1.5 for water-base muds
The value of B (bearing constant) can be calculated

RELATIVE
WEAR RATE,
DIMENSIONLESS

from field data and is a function of the drilling fluid

and the bit size and type.

Application of Fundantental Relationships

Expressions have been given f o r drilling r a t e and bit
life f o r either tooth wear o r bearing wear in terms of
bit weight and rotary speed.
The cost per foot to drill i n any interval is expressed
a s follows:

'0

.2
.4
6
.8
10
R E L A T I V E T O O T H HEIGHT WORN AWAY,
DIMENSIONLESS

Fig. 6 - Comparison of Galle and Woods Equation

and Mitchell and Campbell Equation with
I / f(D) Function

Cost
--

Wherein:
T = bit life in hours
The appropriate wear relationship can be solved f o r
T a t a n y weight and rotary speed and these values substituted in the basic drilling-cost equation. The drillingrate equation can be solved and the cost per foot f o r
any combination of bit weight and rotary speed calculated. After the costs f o r all combinations a r e calculated, the least-cost weight and speed f o r a given rig
cost in the interval can be selected. The bit life i n hours
and the footage t h a t will be made a r e also known.
Some typical results a r e shown in Fig. 8. A t low bit
weight, the cost per foot f o r a n y rotary speed i s high.
As weight increases, cost per foot decreases until some
minimum value is reached. Further weight increases
cause costs to go up. There is a combination of weight
and rotary speed t h a t yields a lower cost than a n y other
combination.

variable

LIFE *

w15

LIFE

Fig. 7 - Effect of Weight and Rmp on Bearing Wear

(3)

+ trip cost) + T (ltoz~rlyrig cost)

((ivcrage d ~ i l l i n gr a t e ) ( T )

Wherein:
T = life of the bit teeth in hours
The value of A , (abrasiveness factor) t h a t equates
these relationships to actual field observation is a function of the formation, the drilling-fluid properties, and
the bit type. A , can be calculated from field data a s
will be shown later.

WEIGHT

+ rotating cost
footage

- (bit cost

Wherein:
D = fraction of t h e original tooth height remaining a t a n y dull condition.
This simplification fits well with previously published
data. Fig. 6 was taken from Mitchell and Campbell12
and new data plotted. Substitution of a n y value of D
into the f ( D ) function gives the ratio of the total crest
width a t that condition to the new tooth-flat width.
By combining the three foregoing relationships, a n
expression for rate of tooth wear i n teinls of weight,
rotary speed, and bit condition can be written:

firer1 cost

Foot -

B i t Weight and Rotary Speed

The aforementioned results were f o r constant weight
and rotary speed; i. e., placing a given weight and speed
on a new bit and holdlng them constant until the bit is
worn out. Superior drilling performance can be obtained
by variation of weight and speed during the life of the
bit. Let us assume that, instead of giving ourselves only
one decision-making time ( a t the s t a r t of the bit run),
we can decide four times during the life of the bit what
the bit weight and rotary speed should be. Fig. 9 will
help explain this concept. This is a plot of footage vs.
time f o r a bit run. F o r the sake of explanation, let u s
assume t h a t we only have two choices of weight-speed
combinations available to us-a high weight-speed practice and a low weight-speed practice. Either practice
could be kept constant over the life of the bit and performance would follow the outside lines of the plot.

If changes a r e allowed in weight-speed from high t o low

four times during the bit run, lnany inore drilling paths
a r e available. One of these paths will lead to a lower
cost per foot than either of the constant weight-speed
paths. The path that yields least cost can be found by
calculating cost for each path. I n this esample, we
limited ourselves to only two choices; yet f o r four
increments, we ended up with 16 (2') paths to investigate. Practically, on a drilling rig you have available
a hundred o r more combinations of bit weight and
rotary speecl. This would yield 100,000,000 (100" paths
t h a t could be investigated. It can be seen why a computer is necessary. The co~nputermakes these calculations much faster than could be done by hand. This
then is the concept of variable bit weight ancl rotary
speecl-the
investigation of drilling costs associated
with all of the various paths which a r e available.
Although it is difficult to speak in general terms
about the variable weight-speecl results, the least-cost
path has always been founcl to be one i n which both bit
weight and rotary speecl increase a s the bit wears.
There a r e many practical liinitations to the application of variable bit-weight - rotary-speed programs.
Although this technique can lead to lower clrilling cost
than constant practices, the indicated extra saving over
correct constant practices is, in most cases, small.
D e t e ~ n ~ i n n t i oofn Fo,r~)tatio?~
D~rillixgC h a ~ n c t e ~ i s t i c s
The basic data which allow determination of the drilling characteristics of formation penetrated in a given
field or area must be taken from a well drilling in the
area. The data required consist of: 1, results of drillingrate tests made a t various bit weights and rotary
speeds; and 2, accurate dull-bit evaluations.
The well drilled to provide basic data ideally should
be drilled with a r i g capable of high bit weights, high
rotary speeds, and flexibility in rotary speeds. The
pumps of this rig should be a s large a s practical to
ensure t h a t hydraulics will be sufficient to properly investigate high weight-rotary-speed
combinations. It is
assumed t h a t hole size, mud programs, ancl bit selection
used i n the test well will be maintained in subsequent
wells.
Drilling tests can be made routinely a t the s t a r t of
each bit run. With maximum hydraulics and rotary
speecl, bit weight is set a t a low value. Drilling rate is
measured. Bit weight is then increased i n 10,000-lb
increments to the maximum. Drilling rate a t each
weight is measured. A t maximum bit weight, rotary
speed is varied from rninimunl to lnasinluill i n several
steps. Drilling rate is measured a t each rotary-speed
step. Short drilling intervals of 1 to 2 f t a r e adequate
f o r the measurement of clrilling rate a t each condition.
As bit weight is increased, a short period of drilling is
required before the clrill string stabilizes a t the new
weight. The shortening of the string resulting from
increased conlpression or buckling should not be included in the nleasurenlent of clrilling rate.

The sequence of drilling tests should require no more

than 30 min. Considerable success has been attained by
having these tests l-un by the driller without a n y assistance. If drilling rate is low, conventional drillingrate recorders a r e adequate f o r drilling-rate measurement. High drilling rates require a n instantaneous
penetration-rate recorder o r timing by stop watch.
Multi-channel recorders t h a t measure ancl record bit
weight, rotaiy speecl, pump pressure, and torque provide valuable information.
After the sequence of drilling tests is coinpletecl,
clrilling should continue a t a constant weight and rotary
speed. The dull condition of the bit when pulled is
graded accorcliilg to the AAODC system. The way .the
data generated by these tests can be usecl to calculate
formation paraineters is shown in the Appendix.
After drilling tests of this type have been taken
throughout the well, intervals of similar clrilling can be
selected by plotting a depth vs. rotating hours curve
and selecting the straight-line portions, grouping intervals having similar values of K, n, B, and A,, by selecting major lithological sections from electric logs or by
a combination of these three techniques. When this is
done, average values of the formation parameters f o r
each major drilling interval a r e calculated.
Hydraulics
Everything mentioned previously in this paper and
all of the work published on the subject of weight rotary-speecl calculations has assumed "adequate" hydraulics. By "adequate" i t is implied t h a t the level of
bit hydraulics is sufficient to keep the bit weight vs.
clrilling rate curve linear u p to ancl including the masimum bit weight ancl rotary speed combination.
The amount of hydraulic horsepower actually required
to accomplish this has been stated to be a function of
the mucl properties, the formation character, the hole
size, and the drilling rate." Very little actual data on
this subject have been published; and, generally, hydraulics programs a r e today designed f o r a given r i g
to give maximunl bit horsepower o r impact force with
the available pump input horsepower a t maximum surface pressure. The thought is that, since actual requirement is unknown, the more horsepower the better.
As has been seen, the costs of rig operation and the
paraineters associated with the bits ancl the fornlations
will determine the weight and rotary speed t h a t will
lead to least cost. Since weight and speecl a r e determined, the most economical pump operation should
occur with the circulation rate, surface pressure, and
jet sizes t h a t would give sufficient bit hydraulics f o r
these practices with a minimum of surface horsepower
expended. Anything above this required level would be
a wasteful expense. If the required level could be determined by testing, a hyclraulics program could be designated based upon actual requirements. Also, if i t was
known what the drilling performance would be a t lower
levels of hydraulics (lower bit weights than optimunl),

a comprehensive decision a s to the relative economics

between t h e ideal and some lower level of hydraulics
could be made.
Most people agree t h a t possibly with the esception
of very soft formations, clrilling r a t e i s not increased if
bit weight and rotary speed are held constant and
hydraulic horsepower is increased above t h e value required to clean the generated cuttings from t h e hole
bottom. Therefore, a t low bit weights, penetration rate
should be essentially the same f o r levels of hydraulic
horsepower equal to and greater than the required
1evel.l A plot of drilling rate vs. bit weight f o r 3 different levels of hydraulic horsepower should look something like Fig. 10.
A t low weight, penetration rate is the same f o r all
three horsepower levels. A t the lowest level, bit balling
is evident a s weight i s increased. The intermediate
level allows the drilling rate to increase u p to higher
weights and the high level of hydraulics to a still higher
weight. If the lowest level of hydraulics is adequate f o r
all weights, all drilling-rate points should fall on one
straight line.
Speer' and BoboI4 have discussed the required hydraulic horsepower in previous publications. Speer suggested t h a t the required horsepower increases linearly
with rate of penetration and, therefore, bit weight.
Bobo related requirements to drilling rate and hole
size. Both of these approaches have merit, but a r e
probably sinlplifications. I t seems t h a t a better approach
would be through measwenlent of clrilling rate a t different levels of horsepower with the mud, bits, and
formations actually encountered.
.
The required level of hydraulic horsepower f o r a n y
bit weight and rotary speed combination in a particular
formation interval can be determined by conducting
simple field hydraulics tests. These tests are made by
selecting three o r more levels of hydraulics which cover

BIT W E I G H T

Fig. 10 - Effect of Bit Hydraulic Horsepower on

Rate of Penetration

150

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

BIT WEIGHT, LBS X 103

Fig. 1 1

- Effect of

Hydraulics - Hidalgo County, Texas

"Dirty" Water Drilling Fluid

3,081 to 3,156 f t - Rotary Speed, 200 rpm
8%-in. OSC 3AJ Bit, 3-5/16-in. jets.
Surface
Pump-stroke Circulation
BottomPressure,
Rate,
Rate,
hole
S P ~
Gpm
Horsepower
Psi
x 2,600
65
380
510
A 1,700
55
325
340
o 1,300
45
265
216
the available range and by observing the clrilling rate
a t various bit weights f o r each hydraulics level.
Since the llyclraulic requirement should be a masimuin with a new bit a t the highest practical rotary
speed, the tests a r e made shortly a f t e r running a new
bit. Rotary speed is held constant a t the maslnlunl value
that can be run. J e t size is selected to give a t least 250
ft/sec jet velocity a t the circulation rate corresponding
to the minimum acceptable annular velocity. With the
pump running a t the maximum stroke rate, the drilling
rate a t various bit weights is measured. A t the masimum bit weight, the pump is slowed to a rate midway
between the maxiinun~and minimuin r a t e and the drilling rate measured. The pump is then slowed to the
minimunl rate. Again, the drilling rate a t various bit
weights is measured.
The results of these tests will give a n indication of
the drilling performance f o r the various levels of hydraulics. The bit welght that can be used without
"balling-up" the bit with the various levels of hydraulics
can be noted. Fig. 11, 12, and 13 show results of tests
of this type. Tests such a s these will show what benefit, if any, is derived from higher levels of hydraulics.

If data on the drilling characteristics and hydraulic

requirements for the formations in the well to be drilled
are available, rig selection is greatly simplified. The selection essentially takes the form of "drilling" the well
with each rig on paper, computing costs, and selecting
the least costly operation.
There are two areas of rig operation which require
detailed analysis:
1. Trip time from various depths.
2. Pump capability.

Analysis of Trip Time

Fig. 14 and 15 are taken from a n article by Crake.16
These figures show that only about one-half of the total
time required to trip a stand of pipe is related directly
to rig horsepower. The remainder of the time is related
to the efficiency of the rig crew, rig operating practices
and ausiliary equipment such a s drill-pipe tongs, and
automatic slips. I t is not necessarily true that the rig
with highest drawworks horsepower will trip the drill
pipe and collars in the least time.
Fig. 12 - Effect of Hydraulics - Hidalgo County, Texas
Drilling Fluid - Native mud, 9.4 ppg 34 sec
4,644 to 4,694 ft - Rotary Speed, 1 80 rpm
8%-in. OSC 3AJ Bit, 2-10132-in. 1-1 1/32 Jets
Surface Pressure,
Psi
x 2,800
A 2,000
o 1,600

Circulation Rate,
G P ~
380
325
265

Bottom-hole
Horsepower
442
250
165

140

120

.
a

x
#-

LA.

100

I t is assumed that if a given level of hydraulics is adequate for a given bit weight a t nlaximum rotary speed
with a new bit, i t will also be adequate for any lower
rotary speed and a worn bit condition.
Hydraulic programs based upon actual requirements
would lead to some rather strange pump operations, by
today's standards. Instead of masimizing a t constant
surface pressure, the pump speed, surface pressure, and
jet size would vary during the drilling of the well in
such a manner a s to give the required bit horsepower
with minimum expense of surface horsepower. Hydraulic
tests run in each of the major intervals of a well could
generate curves which could be used for the design of
hydraulics programs and ultimately for rig selection.

Rig Evaluation
The selection of a rig to drill a given well when more
thati one rig is available has always been a difficult
task. Sometimes the decision is obvious if, for example,
only one of the available rigs can handle the casingstring load. More often than not, however, several rigs
are available that have the necessary drawworks and
mast capacity to safely do the job but are different in
total rig horsepower, mud-pump rating, and auxiliary
equipment. Selection between the rigs that can accomplish the job must then be made on the basis of which
rig will drill the subject well for the least cost.

Fig. 13 - Effect of Hydraulics - Lusk Strawn Field,

Lea Co., New Mexico

C
a
4
0

80-

a
1
0

60

40

Drilling Fluid -Water

2,013 to 2,100 Ft - Rotary Speed, 100 rpm
12%-in. OSC 3AJ Bit, 3-%-in. jets
Surface Presure,
Psi
x 1,800
A 1,150
o 900

Bottom-hole
Horsepower
31 5
178
94

24

E n g ~ n evacuum In mercury

20 \
16
12
8

Ing drum r p m

I
10

20

30
40
50
R u n n ~ n g - ~hn e , seconds

60

70

80

90

Fig. 14 - Lowering Pipe into Hole

(From Crake)

The best way to evaluate trip-time performance of a

given r i g is to observe and plot past pel-fomnlance of this
rig. A curve of trip time vs. depth can be plotted from
drilling records of t h e r i g taken while drilling wells
similar to the well i n question. Such a curve is s h o w
in Fig. 16. Sometimes unusual circunlstances such a s
hole trouble, r i g breakdowns, will cause unusually slow
trips and the points t h a t represent these factors should
be so marked. If, however, the same hole conditions
can be expected i n the subject well, this curve will reflect actual trip times. It does not seen1 unreasonable to
ask t h a t information such a s trip time vs. depth be
made available f o r each r i g under consideration.

Analysis of Punzp Capability

The footage and bit life of various weight-speed
practices in each interval can be calculated. The hydraulic requirement f o r each practice has been determined by testing. Pump-capability analysis consists of
calculating the maximum bit hydraulic horsepower t h a t
a rig can deliver in each interval. If a r i g is capable of
providing a s much o r more horsepower than is required
by t h e least costly weight-speed practice f o r t h a t rig i n
that interval, i t can be concluded that the r i g can opera t e a t the optimum practice. If a r i g cannot provide
adequate hydraulic horsepower f o r the best weightspeed combination in a n interval, it is necessary to

determine t h e maximum weight and speed t h a t can be

run with the available hydraulics in each interval.
Hydraulic capability will determine whether a rig will
operate a t the least-cost practice o r some lower weight
and speed combination in each interval. Rigs with small
pumps will be limited in fast drilling sections to bit
weights lower than optimum. I n the slow drilling sections of the hole, drilling performance may be comparable f o r all rigs.
Rotary drives of some drawworks limit flexibility of
rotary speed. Division of prime-mover horsepower between pumps and rotary table may limit the rotary
speed a rig can r u n to a value lower than the optimum.
I t is important to know the rotary speeds the various
rigs have available and what the maximum rotary
speed will be f o r each rig in each interval.
Very little actual rotary horsepower o r torque data
a r e available. This area of drilling technology h a s not
received much study. Diesel-electric rigs a r e a n excellent
source of rotary horsepower requirement data, and
studies of this type a r e being made. The AAODC has
a subcommittee studying rotary horsepower requirements. A t the present, however, experience with a given
r i g will reflect the range of rotary speeds that can be
used and this information should be made available f o r
each rig.

Englne vacuum ~n mercury

24 1

Hook load 1,000 Ib

200
160
120

1st

ioyer on

drum

rcrL

-t
2nd +
3rd -

80
40
0
500

Ho~stlngdrum rpm
Blocks up

Eng~neengaqe
n e z l stand

500

10

20

30

40
50
Holstlng I~me,seconds

60

70

80

90

Fig. 15 - Lifting Pipe from Hole

(From Crake)

Rig Selection
Since the weight and speed practice t h a t will be
followed by each r i g is known, performance of the
various rigs in each section of the hole may be calculated, the intervals put together, and a sun~mationof
rotating ancl t r i p hours f o r each r i g call be made. The

total hours f o r the various rigs multiplied by the hourly

operating costs reflect the drilling cost with each rlg.
Move in-out, rig up-down costs must be added f o r each
rig. The number of drilling days for the r i g which can
drill the fastest hole i s then talcen a s a base time.
Extra mud costs, overhead, tool rental, and service
charges for the additional clays to be spent on the hole
by the slower rigs a r e then added to the drilling costs
f o r these rigs.
The decision a s to which rig to use should now be
clear. Weight and rotary speed practices and hydraulics
program f o r the selected rig a r e then tabulated.

Special Problems
The planning and drilling of some wells often presents special problems which require decisions. If the
appropriate formation and bit parameters have been
determined in advance, decision-making power is available.

TRIP
TIME,
HOURS

*it

DEPTH, F E E T

Ream to b o t t o m

1000

Fig. 16 - Trip Time for Various Depths

C~ooked-holeP~roblen~s
Some intervals of some wells present problems of hole
deviation. When this is the case, bit weight will be
limited to some rather low value. Generally, the dictated
bit-weight ymctice will be lower than the optimum. I n

these cases, slow drilling rates instead of bit wear may

limit the length of a bit run. I n these intervals, a
cumulative cost-per-foot plot during the bit r u n will
indicate the proper time to pull the bit.
The econonlics of applying stabilizers o r stiff bottomhole assemblies that enable higher bit weights to be
run can be studied by using the formation and bit
parameters f o r the crooked-hole intervals. Hydraulic
requirements should be cleterminecl f o r crookecl-hole
intewals using the weight-speed practices dictated by
hole-deviation considerations.

The formation and bit parameters t h a t a r e known f o r

a given well enable a n evaluation of the economics of
any alternate practice. Say, for example, i t is clesirecl
to know if the purchase o r rental of 10 additional drill
collars is econolnically justified f o r a given well. A calculation of the total drilling cost of the well with and
without the e s t r a available bit weight will provide
decision-making information. The same is true f o r additional pump rental o r componncling of available pumps
to gain additional hydraulics in some sections of the
hole.
Without knowledge of the foinlation and bit parameters f o r the well in question, clecisions of this type will
be, a t best, educated guesses.
EXAMPLE O F ENGINEERING DESIGN
The following esample is given a s esplanation of the
technique of engineering design outlined in this report.
Hole Size and Mud Program
F o r this esample, i t is assumed t h a t the size of the
hole to be drilled, the amount of casing to be set, and
the drilling-fluid properties to be used a t various depths
a r e parameters associated wit11 the drilling operation
that a r e pre-determined by criteria which a r e not subject to change. After the mud type has been chosen, it
will suffice to state t h a t the best drilling performance
will occur if mucl weight, solids content, and viscosity
a r e held to the minimum and t h a t fluid loss i s maintainecl a t the inasimunl possible 1ewrel.l" I t is further

assumed that the test data were taken and dull-bit

evaluations were made i n a n offset well where the mud
program was comparable. Significant changes i n the
mucl program may invalidate bit-life calcu!ations and
hyclm~~lic
tests.
It is assumed t h a t 1,500 f t of 9%-in., 36-lblft casing
is to be set and a n 83L-in. hole drilled to 7,500 f t with
a 9.5-lb/gal native mud and to 10,000 f t with a 10-lblgal
inhibited mud. One day will be spent logging ancl running drill-stem tests.
Intervals of Similar Drilling
I t is assunled t h a t the esample well can be divided
into five major intervals below surface pipe depth. The
location and length of these intervals can be determined
by plotting a depth vs. rotating hours curve f o r a simil a r well o r by grouping bit runs which have comparable
drillability constants, abrasiveness factors, and bearing
constants. Drilling tests ancl hydraulics tests made in
each of these intervals yielded the data shown in Table
1 and Fig. 17.
Available Rigs
Assume t h a t 3 rigs capable of drilling to 10,000 f t
with 4I//.-in. drill pipe and running 7-in. casing a r e
available. It is assunled t h a t each of these rigs can
drill to 1,500 f t ancl r u n surface pipe a t comparable
cost. These rigs have operating characteristics a s tabulated following.
Total
OperMove-in
Rated
Pump
ating
Rig
HorseHorseCost,
Up-down
power
power,
$/Hour
Rig A
$6,000
800
450
35
Rig B
8,000
1,000
600
42
Rig C
8,000
1,200
700
50
I t is known t h a t Rig A will be limited to 150 rpm
rotary speed, but t h a t Rigs B and C will be able to go
to 250 rpm if necessary. Trip time vs. depth curves f o r
these 3 rigs a r e a s shown i n Fig. 18.
Calculation of Drilling Performance for Each Interval
The data shown i n Table 1 a r e used to calculate the
drilling perfoimance f o r various constant bit-weight and

Table 1
Intervals of Example Well

Interval, No. Feet

(1)

1,500- 3,000

(2)

3,000- 4,500

(3)

4,500- 7,500

(4)

7,500- 9,000

Bit T w e
YTIA~
OSCIGJ
YSIJ
OWVJ
YMJ
OWCJ
YSLJ
OWVJ
YHJ

Bearing o r
Tooth Wear

Ii

0.0715

0.125

10

0.030

15

0.051

10

INTERVAL I
1500 - 3 0 0 0 FEET

Hydraulics Program for the Various Rigs

INTERVAL 2
3000- 4500 FEET

DR

210 8lHP

f 1 1 h r ~ ~

0 10 20 30 40 5 l W 10
BIT WE4GHT LBS X 10.'

1 0 2 0 ~ 4 0 ! 0 6 0 m
811 WEIGH7 LED 1 10"

INTERVAL 3
4 5 0 0 - 7 5 0 0 FEET

INTERVAL 4
7500-9000 FEET

:I /
150 r p n

3 5 l DIRP

200 UHRP
I50 BHHP

1 0 2 0 ~ ) 9 ! 0 w m
811 WEIGHT L I I I 10.'

Estimation of Trip Time and Drilling Time

After the weight-speed practices that will be used in
each interval are selected, the number of bits and, therefore, trips will be linowvn. Using the cuive of trip time
vs. depth for each rig, the total trip hours for the well
can be estimated.
The number of drilling or rotating hours in each
interval can be estimated and the sum will determine
the drilling time for the well with each rig.

INTERVAL 5
9000-10,000 FEET

Fig. 17

The results of the hydraulics tests for each interval

are checked to determine what level of bit hydraulic
horsepower is required for the least-cost w e i g h t r o t a r y speed practices for that interval. The pump capability
of a rig is then checked to determine if this pump can
attain the required level in each interval. If i t cannot,
the bit weights and rotary speeds corresponding to the
highest level of hydraulics the pump can deliver are
taken a s the practices for those intervals. The hydraulics
program for the remainder of the intervals is designed
to give the required bit horsepower with minimum espense of sui-face horsepower. Hydraulics programs for
the 3 rigs in the subject well would be a s shown in
Table 3.

- Results of Hydraulics Tests

Interval

rotary-speed practices in each interval. This can be

done by hand or by computer. The rig costs and trip
time do not affect the bit life and footage calculations,
but will affect the actual costs per foot and the leastcost weight and speed practice. Calculations should
therefore be made for each rig.
Results for Interval 4, Rig C, are shown in Table 2.
Results for the other intervals would be of similar
form.
The least-cost practices and the bit life and footages
associated with these practices can then be selected for
each rig in each interval.

e RIG A

Rig C
1
2
3
4
5
Total Well

Number
of
Trips,
Bits

Trip
Hours

Rotating
Hours

50-225
70-225
65-100
65-100
65- 75

1
2
42
8
17
70

2.0
4.4
168.0
48.0
98.0
320.4

10
10
304
82
161
567

2.3
5.2
129.0
44.3
91.0
271.7

12
14
432
94
193
745

887 / 24 = 37 days

Rig B
1
2
3
4
5
Total Well

a-

45-200
55-200
65- 50
65- 75
65- 50

1
2
28
7
13
51

1,016.7 / 24 = 42 days

TRIP 6 TIME,
HOURS

2-

Bit
WeightRotary
Speed

DEPTH, FEET

- 1000

Fig. 18 -Trip Time for Various Rigs

Rig A
1
2
3
4
5
Total Well

30-150
45-150
65- 50
50-100
65- 50

1
1
28
7
13
50

1,103 / 24 = 46 days

2.5
3.5
154.0
52.5
111.5
324.0

20
22
432
112
193
779

mrlm
www

m w w o ~ * m wmwc-mhl
ommmmm w o ! l y q ?

* w m r l o ~ w rlcnwrlcno
q t t n ! m e qe!c??wq

cnt-+odm
wt-qqwq

omt-t-t-m
wo!oqplo~

worromm

ommmrlm

.+cot--wrl

mt-*t-Nw

Nrlrl

rlrl

rl

ddd w d d d d d mmmmmm m m m m d d mmmmmm m m w w w w wt-t-wma

V1

k
V)

2
E

q q q q q r q y q t-+*cotmom
r

rlo*rlcntmhlrlrl

G&d6&G
Nrlrl

4 d d & w d G d G G d i dGddc6c6 Gdc6doi4

i;

E
.- u

6
f

.F
,

2&,
.g

g
$4

al
u

c
0

000 0

0 0

~ ~ ~ ~
0 0
~ ~ ~
0
0 00
~
0 0 0~
0 ~
0 0 0 0 00
0 000000

ooo mmmmmm ooocoo mmmmmm

mmm mmmmmm w w w w w w w w w w w w

Lr3ww*t-N
ocnmcrwm
Go&&GG

Nhlrlrlrlrl

wwwt-hlrl
rlrlrlmolo
w4eziddni

t-rlwt-COO
o1wow*m
doo&&&

rlrlrlrlrlrl

rlrlrl

o o o o ~ ou i d d u j d d
t-L-L-I.-t-c

me1wWoN
cnwo1cnwt6w&GGG

t-t-t-et-t-

oooooo
wwwwww

o1o1mwwo1 w h l m m w w
*mOwL-tmwhlrloo
&GGwww Gwwwww

00-

Q)

$9
9 9 9 9 9 999999 999999 999999
999999
999999 999
*
m N N O O m wmhlerlc1 * t - e m e m
at-cn*Whl
wewcncnm h l w w t - t - 4
mow
0 IOMOUaWt- r l W * h l r l O
WOC-LDCOM OCOmC-m*
OlU33WWV3
*WC.Imt-W W b h l
Nrlrlrlrlrl

Nhlrlrlrlrl

mo1rlrlrlrl

rnololrlrlrl

m m h l r l r l r l mhlhl

bO999999 999999 999999

999999 999999 999999 999
000000

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000000
NC.IN~ICIIC.I

mmmmmm

MNNNNN

mmmmmm

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mmmmmm

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v w w - ~ p l e***ew*

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mmm

Table 3
Hydraulics Program for Various Rigs

Interval

Depth, Ft

1,500- 3,000

Rig C
700-hp pump
5%-in. liners

Rig B
600-111j
. l~nrnp
.
5'i-in. liners

420

374

1,917

400
150
350
150

374
300
330
300

1,800
860
1,820
860

358
300
305

1,530
860
1.660

3,000- 4,500
4,500- 7,500
7,500- 9,000
9,000-10,000

400
150
350
150

1,500- 3,000

600

2
3

3,000- 4,500
4,500- 7,500
7.500- 9.000

400
150
350

322
150
295

3,000- 4,500
4.500- 7.500

400
150

216
150

Calculation of Total Well Costs

The basic drilling-cost equation is then nlodifie!
used f o r the total well.
Cnst
- - fixcd cost
Foot

Jet
Size
32,s
2-10

Surface
Pressure,
Psi

= move in-07tt

Masin~uin
Bit Weight,
~b x 1 0 - 3

rig ? L I ) - ~ o w cost
~
of rluzning pipe, D S T , logging
total bit cost

Rotating cost = hourly vig cost (l'ot(~tiwgAo?lrs)

cost
rotc~tingcost
well deptlz.

Costs for Rig C

Cost

Fixed cost

and

+ t?.ip

4P

Blt,
Psl

600

2
3
4
5

Rin A
456-hl1 pump
5%-in. liners

Bottom-hole Horsepower circulatioll

Rate,
Required Delivered
Gpm

T r i p cost

= 1101~rly
rig cost ( t r i p ILOZWS)

+ (logging, D S T ) + ( b i t cost) + trill cost + ~ o t a t i n gcost

(wlove i n - o ~ t )

Foot-

foota.ge

tion to the other rigs with the appropriate fixed costs

is then made. Aclclitional mud and overhead costs a r e
added to compensate for the extra days these rigs will
spend on the hole over the time required by the fastest
rig. ~ \ l costs
~ ~ land o\.elfiead are estimated at $350 per
clay total. When this i s completed, the lowest-cost r i g
will be obvious. Following a r e the results.

The solution of this equation gives a total drilling

cost per footfor Rig C. It is assumed that this rig call
drill
fastest hole in point of clays. The time in clays,
37, required for drilling by this rig is talcell a s the
n ~ ~ n i n l u ntime.
l
Application of the modified basic drilling-cost equaCosts for .Rig B
Cost

$S,000

FootCosts for Rig -4

Cost
- - $6,000
Foot

+ $1,000 + 51(.$210) + .$42(271.i')

+ 42(745) + 5($8.50)

l0,OOO ft

+ $SO0

50($210)

Although the lowest operating cost, lowest horsepower, slowest trip time rig proved to be the least
expensive in this example, i t is not implied t h a t this

$35(324)
10,ooo f t

+ ,$35(779) + 9(.$.9.50)

will always be tlle case. Complete analysis of the specific well to be drilled will determine in every case
which rig will be most economical.

After the least-cost r i g h a s been selected, the r i g

operating costs f o r larger o r smaller rigs t h a t would
malte the drilling cost with these rigs eqnal to t h a t of
least cost can be calculated.
The drilling cost per foot f o r the least-cost r i g is calculated. This figure includes bits, trips, rotating hours,
extra mud costs, and overhead. F o r Rig A i n the esample, this calculation is:

RaTC Of B I T

+
+ ~ o t a t i n gcost + adcli50($210) + $35(324) + $35(779) + 9($350)

C o s t = bit cost
t v i p cost
tional-tinze cost
=
= $52,250

F o r the other rigs (B ancl C), this cost is set equal to

the right side of the foregoing equation with r i g hourly
operating cost a s a n unknown, x.

Rig B
$52,250 = 51 (.$210)
z = $37.20

Rig C

$52,250 = 70($&10)
x = $42.50

+ ~ ( 2 7 2 )f

+ 5(.$350)

~(745)

+ ~(321+
) ~(567)

These costs a r e the hourly operating costs f o r these

rigs that should result ill tlle same drilling cost a s the
rig t h a t can drill f o r lowest cost. Move in-out, rig upclo\vn, and formation-evaluation tinie may vary from
\\re11 to well and slloulcl be evaluatecl each time. A curve
f o r the area in question can be constructed t h a t relates
n g operating cost to pump horsepower for equivalent
drilling cost. Such a cui-ve f o r the example well is shown
in Fig. 19. This curve woulcl aid i n the evaluation of
these rigs f o r drilling i n the subject area.
LIRlITATIONS O F PRESENT TECHNIQUES
A s has been seen, there is much t h a t call be done
today to exercise control over drilliilg cost, performance, ancl equipment selection. All of us, however, recognize that we a r e still faced \vlth some unknowns that
cast doubts over our results. The magnitude of the
problem limits the number of i n t e ~ v a l sof clrilling to be
in\restigatecl ancl the number of drilling tests to be run.

'11

FOR EiAUPLE WELL ONLY

1
"200

400

600

800

PUMP HYDRAULIC HORSEPOWER

Fig. 19 -Rig Operating Cost to Yield

Equivalent Drilling Cost
(Bits, trips, and rotating hours only)

Fig. 20 - Flow Chart of Automatic

Rig Control for Least-cost Drilling
The accuracy of this work clepends upon how well the
interval averages fit the actual case. Changing lithology,
inud programs, bit metallurgy from one well to another
prevents u s from becoming perfect a t prediction. The
effect of hydraulics on bit life has not been investigated. A snnilar analysis of the wear relationships for
non-rolling cutter bits has not been completed.
I t i s well to recognize these limitations although they
should not prevent us from doing the best possible job
with what is available. The technique outlined i n this
paper i s presently linlited to development wells, a s information must be obtained from a nearby well that
followed a similar program. When enough data of the
type described herein a r e accumulated, however, i t may
be possible to correlate foimation drilling parameters
over major basins or areas.

A FUTURE U S E FOR WEIGHT-RPRI-PUMP

SPEED CALCULATIONS
Most of tlle apparent limitations of tlle control over
clrilling variables f o r lowest cost \vith a given rig could
be eliillinated by a system of drilling-rig controls that
conlcl monitor drilling performance and test reactions of
cllllling rate to weight, revolutions per minute, and hydraulics almost continnously. Automatic adjustment of
clrill~ngvariables based upon continual recalculation of
the drilling-cost equation could be made.
It is not too far-fetched to envision a systein a s sho\vn
i n Fig. 30 by block diagram.
A simple analog computer designed to calculate the
basic clrilli~lg-cost problem could be installecl on the
r i g floor. Data input would come from two sources-an
instantaneous penetration-rate measurement and recording device and a down-hole rate-of-bit wear sensor (data
telemetered to the surface). A testing-sequence timing
device \i~oulcltrigger a testing period where weight on
bit, revolutions per minute, and pump speed would be
varied according to a comprel~ensiveprogram. The results of these tests would be sensed by drilling-rate and

bit-wear sensors and fed to the computer. The computer

would take this information and calculate the best
weight-rpm-pump speed combination based upon the
particular relationships developed from the test. Control of drilling variables would then be accomplished
automatically. The testing sequence could be very brief
and tests could be made a t prescribed depths, time, o r
when a major change i n drilling rate is experienced.
The computer could contain a memory of bit wear that
would know the bit condition a t a n y time. Such a system of control would ensure that every rig would di-ill
every foot of hole a t minimum cost. Very short intervals
of lithology could be effectively handled.
The only component of this ideal system, which i s
not available today, is the bit-wear-rate sensor and a
method of telemetry to the surface. These problems a r e
large but could be overcome. Continuous electric logging'' and telemetry a r e now realities and the bit-wear
sensing problem will be solved when incentive becomes
great enough.
CONCLUSIONS
Formation parameters, bit parameters, and hydraulics
requirements f o r a n area of drilling activity can be
determined by simple, routine drilling tests.
After this information is available, a drilling operation can be designed and a comprehensive decision concerning the rig equipment and drilling practices t h a t
will lead to lowest cost can be made.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Appreciation is espressed to the Tenneco Oil Company f o r permission to present and time to prepare
this paper.
Thanks a r e expressed to the nlany people who helped
gather field data and to those who assisted in preparation and reproduction of this manuscript.
NOMENCLATURE
DR = drilling rate, f t l h r
I< = formation drillability constant
W = weight on bit, lb X
C = intercept of bit weight vs. drilling-rate curve,
ib x lo-=
N = rotary speed, rpm
a = rotary-speed esponent, dimensionless
f(lt), = rate function of tooth height
W R = rate of tooth wear
Q = maximum allowable bit weight, lb X
x = wear esponent of rotary speed, dinlensionless
f(D) = rate of tooth wear dullness function
D = fraction of original tooth height remaining
A , = abrasiveness factor constant
B = bearing constant
y = weight exponent f o r bearing life
T = bit life, hours
IL. = initial tooth height
IL, = final tooth height

REFERENCES
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Drilling Techniques, Paper No. 1242-G, presented a t
S P E Drilling and Production Practices Symposium,
Lafayette, La., April 24, 1959.
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Combinations, Paper No. 1349-G, presented a t 34th Annual Fall Meeting, Society of Petroleum Engineers.
3Galle, E. M. and Woods, H. B: How to Calculate Bit
Weight and Rotary Speed f o r Lowest Cost Drilling,
Oil Gas J., 58 [461 169, Nov. 14 (1960).
'Galle, E. M. and Woods, H. B: Best Constant Bit
Weight and Rotary Speed f o r Rotary Rock Bits, API
Drilling r~ndProduction Pmctice, 48 (1963) ; also Oil
Gas J. (title: Finding best constant bit weight and
rotary speed) 61 C411 147, Oct. 14 (1963).
'Outmans, H. D: The Effect of Some Drilling Variables on t h e Instantaneous Rate of Penetration, Trans.
Ant. Inst. Mining Met Engrs. (Petroleum Development
and Tecl~noloyy)219, 137 (1960).
"Maurer, W. C: The "Perfect-cleaning" Theory of
Rotary Drilling (AIME Trans. reprint, Series No. 6 ) ,
Drilling, 97.
'Feenstra, R. and Van Leeuwen, J. J. M: Full-scale
Experiments on J e t s in Impermeable Rock Drilling,
S P E Paper No. 694, presented i n New Orleans, La.,
October 6-9, 1963.
'Background Notes on Speed, Weight, and Penetration, Petrolez~mEngr., 32 C l O l B-24, Sept. (1960).
BBrooks, W. B. e t al: Mobile Electronic Recording
System and Drill-off D a t a Illustrating Its Use, J. Petr.
Tech., 11, Jan. (1963).
locunningham, R. A: Laboratory Studies of the Effect
of Rotary Speeds on Rock-bit Performance and Drilling
Cost, API Drilling and Production Practice, 7 (1960) ;
also Oil Gas J. (title: How High Rotary Speed Shortens
Bit Life, Increases Drilling Costs) 58 C281 91, July 11
(1960).
''Gatlin, C: How Rotary Speed and Bit Weight Affect
Rotary Drilling Rate, Oil Gas J., 55 C201 193, (1957).
"Campbell, J. M. and Mitchell, B. J: Effect of Tooth
Geometry on Tooth-wear Rate of Rotary Rock Bits,
presented at the Mid-Continent District spring meeting, A P I Division of Production, March 1959.
'"Wardlaw, H. W. R: Simplified Analysis Aids i n Optimizing Drilling Factors f o r Minimum Cost, J. Petr.
Tecl~.,475, May (1961).
14Bobo, Roy A: Application of Hydraulics to Rotary
Drilling Rigs, World Oil (in 2 parts) P a r t 1 (title: A
Simplified Method f o r Analyzing Hydraulics) 156 [61
92, May (1963) ; P a r t 2, 156 C71 71, J u n e (1963) ; Oil
Gas J . (abridged, title: Simplified Rig-hydraulics Analysis) 61 I231 160, J u n e 10 (1963).
'"Crake, W. S: Fitting Drilling Rigs to Their Job,
Oil Gas J., 125, Oct. 15 (1962).
"Moore, Preston L: Five Factors t h a t Affect Drilling
Rate, Oil Gas J., 56 C801 141, Oct. 6 (1958).

"Arps, J. J. and Arps, J. L: Continuous Logging

While Drilling; A Practical Reality, presented to Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, New Orleans,
La., October 6-9, 1963.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hellums, Earl C: The Effect of Pump Horsepower on
Rate of Penetration, API Drilling and Prodz~ction
Practice, 83 (1952).

Thompson, G. D: A Practical Application of Fluid Hydraulics to Drilling in California, APZ Drilling and
Prodz~ctionPractice, 163 (1956).
Peret, J. W. and Kastrop, J. E : A Guide to Job Rating
a Well for Minimum Rig Horsepower in Jet-bit
Drilling, Petroleum E n g ~ . ,Oct. (1960).
Kerr, Henry: Route to Lower Well Costs, More Profitable Drilling, Drilling, Sept. (1963).

APPENDIX
CALCULATION OF FORMATION PARAMETERS
FROM FIELD DATA
The results of the drilling tests are plotted to determine the values of C and a. The value of a is determined
by plotting the results of the rotary-speed tests on loglog paper. The slope of the line of log drilling rate vs.
log rotary speed is the value of a.
The value of K is calculated from the results of the
drilling tests in the following manner. The drilling rate
a t 50,000 lb and 100 rpnl was 50 ft/hr. The value of a
was determined to be 0.5. Since the bit was new,
f(lt.)), is 1. A plot of bit weight vs. drilling rate showed
C to be 10,000 lb.
DR = [ K ( W - C ) N a ] / [ f ( h ) r ]
50
K

= [R(50-10)
= [50/[(40)(10)1
= 0.125

is computed. These four values are summed. The ratio

of the value of the function a t each mid-point to the
sum is the same as the ratio of the number of hours
required to wear that increment to the total tooth life
of the bit. After the time required to wear each increment is computed, these time increments are plotted on
Fig. A1 a s shown.
The ratio of the drilling rate when the bit was new
to the drilling rate a t the mid-point of each time increment is the value of the f ( 1 ~ ) "for that increment. For
the case in question:
f(h)rl = 1.04
f(h),z = 1.19
f ( I L ) ~=
~ 1.56
f (h),, = 2.08

7/ [ I ]

K
(All
The f(14). functions are evaluated for the bit and the
foilnation by observing, from a penetration-rate chart,
the way drilling rate decreased a s the bit became worn.
Assume that during the drilling test the new bit drilled
a t 50 f t l h r with 50,000 lb and 100 rpm, after 3 hours,
the rate a t this condition was 40 ft/hr. After 6, 9, and
12 hours, the drilling rate was 30, 25, and 20 ft/hr,
respectively. The bit was pulled a t 12 hours. The teeth
were dull; the bearings were gone. These data are
then plotted a s shown in Fig. Al.
The number of hours required to wear away each
one-fourth of the tooth height must be con~puted.Assume this bit has tooth structure that is expressed by
the dullness function 8-7D. The value of this function
a t the mid-point of each one-fourth of the tooth height

To program on bearing wear, the f ( h ) , functions

are the ratio of the drilling rate when the bit was new
to the rate a t the mid-point of each one-fourth of the
bit life.
The value of the abrasiveness factor, A,, for a bit
i u n is calculated in the following manner. An 8%-in.
bit was worn to a tooth dull condition of three-fourths
worn in 12 hours a t 50,000 lb bit weight and 100 rpm.
The f(D) function for this bit is 8-7D. Q = 10,000
lb/in. = maximum allowable bit weight.

--

[2-0.2181 - [ 8 3 . 5 ]
(1.78-4.5)
-2.72
=
A, =

=
=
[-159(12)] / [ A f ( 3 7 . 5 ) ]
[(159)12] / [(37.5)2.72]
A , = 18.7
The value of the bearing constant, B, for a bit run is

DRILLING
RATE
fph

calculated a s follows: For the foregoing bit run, the

bearings were three-fourths (0.75) dull.

TIME-HOURS

Fig. A1 -Drilling Rate vs. Bit Wear

Bit life, hours

[ (12) / (0.75)
[(16)(100)(355)]
569,000

=
=
=
=

(B)/[(W*S)(N)]
( B ) [ ( s o r S () l o o ) I

B
B

(A31