Penetration-Rate Performance of Roller-Cone Bits

Abstract

Summary The rate of penetration (ROP) obtained with a roller-cone bit is limited by either the cuttings-generation or cuttings-removal process. An ROP model that includes the effect of both the initial chip formation and cuttings-removal processes is presented. Laboratory observations show that the reduction in ROP at high borehole pressure is the result of both local cratering effects and global cleaning effects.