A self-adjusting drillbit began as a clever concept in a company-wide innovation contest. Now its backers say the adaptive “smart” bit could become an industry standard.

A new adaptive PDC drillbit from Baker Hughes can adjust the depth of cut without intervention from the surface.

The technology introduces a moving element to the standard PDC drillbit. The TerrAdapt PDC bit responds to reservoir and drilling conditions in real time to mitigate stick-slip issues downhole and resist sudden changes in loading.

Danielle Fuselier, product line manager for diamond bits, says the service company put “intelligence into the bit to enhance drilling efficiency”.

Stick-slip is a torsional drilling dysfunction that can cause the drill string and the bit to accelerate and decelerate quickly.

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