VB Series

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

Varel’s VB product line is a premium line of matrix bits featuring two very unique features-oval cutters and lateral hydraulic jet nozzles. The VB series is designed to provide better ROP and longer life than bits designed only with conventional round cutters and hydraulic package.

The oval cutter provides more diamond exposure than a round cutter sharing the same diamond width. The sharper tip profile of the oval cutter produces higher point loading, converting applied weight more efficiency than a round cutter, thereby increasing ROP.

The lateral jet nozzles, located near the center of the bit, provide greater efficiencies directing flow across the face of the bit for optimal cleaning and cooling of cutters. Lateral nozzles, in combination with conventional nozzles, produce higher ROP and increased bit life.

Lateral Jet Nozzles
VB bits use lateral jet nozzles located near the center of the bit. These nozzles are oriented in such a way that, when combined with traditional nozzles, create cross flow hydraulics. This cross flow optimizes hydraulic energy, cooling and cleaning of the cutters, enhanced chip removal and efficiency sweeps cuttings away from the bit face into the annulus. This hydraulic configuration promotes faster ROP and reduces cutter wear for longer bit life.

Oval Cutter
The unique oval cutter design delivers 42% more diamond exposure than a round cutter of the same width. Because of its unique shape, the increased exposure provides more footage drilled and improved bit life helping lower your cost per foot. Additionally, the oval cutter design produces higher point loading converting applied weight on bit more efficiently and dulling with a smaller wear flat than a round cutter of the same width.

Powercutter^TM Cutting Structure
Varel's high-density "Powercutter" arrangement gives enhanced bit life when drilling a variety of rock types without sacrificing ROP. The new Powercutter cutting structure provides extra exposure and cutter density on the critical shoulder area of the bit. Bits can now achieve maximum rates of penetration through one rock formation and then continue to penetrate harder sand or limestone beds without excessive wear or damage e.g. interbedded formations.

Advanced Cutting Structure
VB bits are developed using Varel's proprietary design software called SPOT^TM. 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. In addition, it 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 (i.e. WOB, 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 VB bit.