DBOS™ delivers a better bit program for achieving lower cost per foot drilled.
The Smith Bits’ DBOS (Drill Bit Optimization System) service can deliver the minimum cost per foot with a higher degree of certainty and reduced risk by identifying the best bit, from the vast Smith Bits portfolio, to match the physical characteristics of the interval to be drilled.
DBOS is a software-based process which identifies the Smith fixed cutter or roller cone bit that has the appropriate combination of cutting structure, gauge protection, hydraulic configuration and other features needed to achieve the lowest cost per foot drilled for the operator. The DBOS service incorporates a thorough analysis of offset well data including well logs, formation tops, mud logs, core analysis, rock mechanics, drilling parameters, bit records and dull bit conditions.
The software tools use a geologic mapping program, well log correlation and analysis software, and proprietary Smith Bits algorithms for rock compressive strengths, bit performance analysis and bit selection. The DBOS service is highly flexible, allowing Smith Bits engineers to analyze various levels of information and deliver a bit strategy based on input from, for example, a single offset well, a multi-well cross section, or a full field mapping and regional trend analyses.
The DBOS service has been offered for over 15 years, creating a supporting database containing records from more than 8,750 projects in 56 countries, encompassing more than 12,500 wells. Operators around the world have attributed significant savings in drilling time and cost to use of the DBOS service.
The DBOS evaluation process
The process begins with an evaluation of the expected formation types that may be encountered in an interval and their associated section lengths. Data are obtained from offset well logs. DBOS then determines unconfined rock compressive strength, effective porosity, abrasion characteristics and impact potential. The rock properties will help identify one or more potentially optimal bit types and DBOS identifies various applicable bit characteristics based on its analysis. Hydraulic configuration, cone layout, insert type, gauge protection, cutter type and diameter, blade profile and cutter density are examples of bit characteristics that are evaluated. DBOS also predicts cost per foot that each bit will achieve and makes recommendations for the bit type with the minimum cost per foot.
Various levels of the DBOS service are offered and, for each level, DBOS data are presented graphically to customers in a log plot form called a Bit Performance Analysis (BPA). The parameters include bit record information, directional surveys, real-time ROP and mud log data, rock type and strength data, and hydraulic and mechanical energy factors, among other information. The BPA evaluates key bit performance variables over the given drillability intervals, identifying which bit type would be the most successful for drilling through particular single intervals or over multiple intervals.
Following the well, post-run analyses evaluate bit performance from available data such as real-time ROP, weighton- bit, RPM, torque, dull bit conditions and other parameters. The results of this analysis provide design and application engineering feedback for continuous improvement.