Safety is a top priority at PDB Tools. We encourage everyone to always be aware of their working environment and always use appropriate personal safety gear. Due to their extreme weight, we recommend that caution always be exercised when handling drill bits.
PDB Tools recommends the following tips and procedures to optimize bit performance.
1. Examine the condition of the box in which the new bit arrived. Remove the box lid, and examine the new bit for any damage that may have occurred during delivery. Never leave a new bit exposed to dust and grit. Retain the pin protector cap for future use.
2. Protect the threads at all time. Use and re-use of the pin protector cap is recommended during storage or drill down time.
3. Apply small amounts of “anti-galling” grease to threads. Make certain the mating shoulders are clean and doped with grease. Use low torque and slow rpm’s when making-up connections. Ensure that the drill string and drill bit threads mate properly to avoid cross threading.
4. For new bits, drill at reduced weight and rpm for a short break-in period. For the first 1/3 of the first hole, use 1/3 of normal pulldown and rpm. For the second 1/3 of the first hole, use 2/3 of normal pulldown and rpm. For the final 1/3 of first hole, use normal pulldown and rpm. Once the Break-in period is complete, use normal drilling parameters.
5. Always rotate the bit when in the hole. Be sure to rotate when moving into and when pulling out of the hole. The only time when the bit will not be rotating while in the hole, is when drill steel is added.
6. Turn air on before the bit touches the ground when starting a new hole. Keep air on until bit is out of the hole. When adding drill steel, blow the hole clean for about 1 minute, prior to turning off air. Maintain cabin pressure above 40 psi for adequate air pressure.
7. Any abnormal variation of air pressure may indicate the bit is plugging. Pull bit out of the hole and inspect bit. Clean bit if necessary and remove debris from bearings. The cones must freely rotate, prior to continued drilling.
8. At the beginning and at the end of the drilling shift, inspect to ensure that the bit is in good operating condition. Check the bit after each hole if possible
9. During entire drilling operation, maintain “smooth” drilling conditions. High vibration will cause damage to the bit, drill mast, rotary head, etc.
10. In broken material (crest holes, fractured zone, faults), minimize vibration by modifying operating parameters. This would typically be accomplished by maintaining pulldown and reducing rpm.
11. Drill using recommended parameters. Do not exceed factory recommended rpm or pulldown.
12. Common dulling characteristics include broken gage inserts when excessive rpm is used. Broken inner row inserts are common with excessive pulldown.
13. As the bit dulls and wears, gradually increase weight to maintain penetration rates.
14. Use water only as required for dust suppression and hole wall control.
15. When adding additional drill steel, pick bit off bottom of the hole, and rotate with air on to keep bearings clean. Never leave bit on bottom for extended periods of time, especially in wet holes.
16. Do not drop bits – damage to cutting structure, bearing and possible bit threads will result.
17. Avoid using bent or excessively worn drill steel. Ensure stabilizers and deck bushings are in good condition.
18. Accurate bit data is valuable. Record rig number, bit serial number, footage drilled, time in the hole, pulldown, rpm, formation, location on site, and any other unusual drilling conditions such as bent drill steel, water in hole, broken steel, etc.