As seen in American Oil & Gas Reporter in the April 2014 issue, Aron Deen speaks about the CounterForce™ cutter configuration technology. In the endless quest for faster penetration rates, longer runs and better steerability, manufacturers have introduced cutter configurations that counter vibration; bits that drill a small hole to relieve rock stress,
then widen the hole to the desired diameter; and designs that turn conventional wisdom on its head by increasing ROPs with smaller cutters. Consider Ulterra’s CounterForce™ cutter configuration, which engineering project manager Aron Deen says originated from machining. “We decided to see what would happen if we adapted the tool’s staggered tooth concept to a drill bit. Because the tool reduces vibration, we hypothesized the bit would offer increased durability and higher penetration rates.” That hypothesis was proven correct. The ROP increase varies by application, but generally falls within 10-50 percent. “Because it involves rearranging components rather than using experimental parts, the bit costs the same as its predecessors and the operator’s risk is extremely low.”
