Varel International Participates in Operator Worldwide Footage Record

(CARROLLTON, TEXAS- 1 September 2011) - Varel International, a leading manufacturer of drill bits and global supplier to the drilling industry, recently participated in a 24 hour worldwide footage record on a 12-1/4" hole size with a large producer of natural gas in the United States. Varel's 12-1/4" VTD616PH Tough-Drill bit drilled a record setting 4,315 ft in 23 hours to set the record.

Technical Sales Engineer Robert Real, representative for Varel in South Texas, weighed in on the performance, "This is our third surface run in this area with this same operator. We had a great performance on the first two holes, and we are very proud to be a part of this operator record. The bit was a great fit for the application; moreover, the drillers ran it with an exacting eye to peak performance," Real said.

This Tough-Drill PDC bit design, part of a series of bits developed for hard rock drilling, was initially developed with the operator as a solution for a different shale play according to Real. "This design was extremely successful for the operator in another Texas field. We implemented the best practices we learned in those applications here in LaSalle County and performed even better than expected."

The drill bit not only set a footage record, but also completed the section with a rate of penetration of 187.60 ft/hr and a post run grade of 2-1-CT-N-X-I-TD. The bit was serviced in Varel's Houston PDC service center and has been redeployed to South Texas.

 "We have a very close working relationship with the customer, and it is proven in this case. A bit was needed, we supplied a solution quickly and the outcome was a major success for all parties. We'll continue to be out there whenever needed to support their operations in any way we can," Real concluded.

About Varel International

Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world's largest independent supplier in the global oil & gas drill bit market. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Varel services oil & gas, mining, and industrial markets with its comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company employs more than 1,000 people and has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico and Tarbes, France, as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel's proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customer base. For more information, visit http://www.varelintl.com/.

###