This case history documents the performance of Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) bits relative to conventional roller cone and natural diamond bits in drilling a deep (14,500 ft – 18,000 ft) shale-chalk sequence in 65 wells in the Tuscaloosa Trend of South Louisiana. PDC bits were used on rotary for drilling this sequence with varying degrees of success in conjunction with four different drilling programs. Included are discussions on variables which affected the performance of the PDC bits studied. Data presented originates from company bit records and photographs compiled during normal field operations.
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