An Expert System for Drill Bit Selection

Abstract

ABSTRACT An expert system has been developed to assist with the selection of poly-crystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bits. The system uses a knowledge base of bit selection rules to produce a generic description of the most suitable bit for a particular set of drilling and geologic conditions. The rules are derived from rigorous study of foot-based drilling, geology and rock property data from past bit runs. Compared to conventional bit selection methods this approach makes more effective use of past experience, leading to a higher and more uniform level of bit selection expertise in drilling operations.