Navigator Bits
for Directional Applications

6" TO 17 1/2" (152.4 mm TO 444.5 mm) - In Matrix

Navigator BitsVarel’s Navigator bits are engineered specifically for directional wells. Each bit is custom designed to a specific directional profile for a given application. Varel believes that the bit is the most important factor affecting directional drilling success. Therefore, a bit’s ability to achieve a given well bore objective relies upon two key design factors: steerability and directional behavior. Varel’s Navigator bits possess the key design elements affecting bit steerability and directional behavior helping you achieve your drilling objectives.

The bit design process for Navigator bits utilizes GeoScience™, SPOT ™ and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). GeoScience is Varel’s proprietary mechanical rock properties model that utilizes well logs. Output information from GeoScience is fed into the design process through SPOT, Varel’s proprietary design software, allowing bit designers to accurately model bit dynamics. The CFD program examines the nozzle orientation for optimum bit and hole bottom cleaning. By taking all these parameters into account we fine tune the bit design for the application, making it the most effective solution for your directional application.

Active Gage Cutters
Push-the-bit systems require active gage designs. Navigator bits are designed to shear the formation laterally when high side forces are applied by this system.

O-Ring Studs
Additional matrix material in the shape of an o-ring is placed directly behind specific cutters. This additional material helps manage the torque generated by modern steerable systems while maintaining orientation fro increased ROP and reduced sliding time.

Updrill Feature
When drilling a directional well, such negative outcomes like hole wall sloughing, keyseating, or severe dog legs can occur. Varel’s updrill feature allows hole wall cleaning as you ream the well bore helping eliminate such problems.

Hydraulics
Navigator bits go through elaborate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) evaluations to identify and eliminate possible stagnation zones. During this process, bit and bottom hole cleaning are optimized to enhance bit performance. Nozzle orientation is also examined to insure borehole quality for steerability purposes. This sophisticated process improves cleaning efficiency, cutter cooling and ROP.

Advanced Cutting Structure
Navigator bits use Varel’s proprietary software called SPOT. Using extensive single cutter tests and full scale bit tests in laboratory and field conditions, SPOT ensures cutting structure optimization for specific applications. SPOT models complete bit behavior in different rock types during a simulated drilling process. Additionally, this tool evaluates cutter wear as a result of friction and heat transfer. Using appropriate rock geology and mechanical properties, SPOT also performs sensitivity analysis for various drilling parameters (WOB and RPM) to evaluate their effects on ROP, cutter wear, bit vibrations and footage drilled. Using SPOT improves the ROP and increases the footage drilled of each Navigator bit.

High Pperformance Cutters
Application-specific PDC cutters incorporating advanced carbide interface geometries (CIG) and materials technologies are used in TOUGH-DRILL bits. The carbide interface geometries are modeled using finite element analysis (FEA) to minimize damaging residual stresses (axial, hoop and radial) improving impact resistance and extending cutter life, resulting in improved bit life. Diamond grades are then selected, analyzed and prepared to maximize abrasion resistance.