Drilling detritus and the operating parameters of thermally stable PDC core bits

A single rock type was drilled using two types of thermally stable polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) and an impregnated diamond core bit using a fully instrumented laboratory drilling rig at a fixed rotational speed, and over a range of weights on bit (WOB). Operating parameters of the bits such as WOB, rate of penetration (ROP), rotational speed (RPM), torque and drilling specific energy (SE) were continuously monitored during the drilling trials. The effects of these parameters on the performance of the bits were examined. Relations between the drilling variables are also described. At each set WOB for each bit, the drilling detritus were collected. The detritus sizes between 1180 and 53 microns were analysed using wet sieving and sub 53 micron was analysed using a Malvern particle size machine. Both data were combined to obtain a particle size distribution at set WOBs for each bit. The relations between the particle size of the drilling detritus and operating parameters, cutter size and wear of the PDC and impregnated diamond core bits, and original rock grain size were established. An increase in WOB, ROP, wear rates, pins or diamond size increased the drilling detritus size for the bits. No relation was found between the drilling detritus and the rock grain size due to the regrinding effect and the high proportion (> 30%) of matrix material in the rock.