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Varel Launches A-Force Roller Cone Bits
Varel International announced the launch of the A-Force roller cone bit series, a line built specifically for underbalanced applications including air, foam, and mist, during the IADC/SPE Managed Pressure Drilling & Underbalanced Operations Conference & Exhibition in San Antonio, Texas.
A-Force bits bring together new roller cone technology and improved materials resulting in a drill bit with increased speed, longevity and steerability.
Chris Byrd, vice president — Roller Cone Business Unit, said the A-Force series technology grew out of Varel's roller cone research and development efforts.
"Varel has built a solid foundation in roller cone technology and now we are able to exploit the benefits of our developments. The A-Force series includes patent-pending innovations, which assist in the reduction of heat and wear in internal roller cone bit components. This, in turn, leads to longer bit life, improved drilling economics and an enhanced drilling program for operators," Byrd said.
The technology in the series works to improve the longevity of the seal and the bearing system and to extend the life of the drill bit. Key features include:
- Bearing Seal — A-Force bits include a heat shield disc deployed between the seal and the bearing. This shield acts as a thermal insulator, protecting the seal from excessive thermal energy, lowering the operating temperature for the seal and extending seal life.
- The bits are also equipped with a conical seal gland that positions the seal in such a way that it can better handle pressure fluctuations and still maintain a preferred sealing location and interface. This is especially important with the high internal bearing pressures that can be experienced in air, foam, and mist drilling.
- Higher Load Capacity Journal Bearing — The series incorporates a more robust and more tightly toleranced journal bearing capable of supporting increased levels of weight on bit. This translates directly into longer, more reliable bit runs.
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A-Force series drill bits include additional material improvements:
- A new grease formulation that is stable at increased operating temperatures: This grease reduces internal bearing heat generation allowing the bearings to remain cooler.
- A more wear-resistant hardmetal inlay, shown to provide a 54 percent reduction in wear, incorporated onto the journal surface: This hardmetal works to prevent wear to the journal surface extending the effective life of the bearing.
- Redesigned head forgings: The benefit is increased leg strength, reduced bit length and improved steerability.
- Inclusion of Varel's patented High Energy Tumbled (HET) processed carbide inserts: A-Force bits are equipped with both cutting structure designs and carbide grades specific to underbalanced applications.
A-Force bit are available in diameters ranging from 6-1/8" — 12-1/4".
For more information on this series, please contact info@varelintl.com.
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Varel in the News
Varel news articles recently have appeared in several industry publications. The articles, posted with permission, describe the technological innovations Varel has made, successes the company has had for operators and Jim Nixon's account of the reinvention of Varel.
"Four-Blade Bit Helps Reduce Drilling Time By as Much as Half," World Oil, September 2008; By Dave Reum of Williams Production RMT, and Jim Dahlem and Jay Pollock of Varel International
"New PDC Bit Designs Continue to Improve," World Oil, November 2008; By Mark Tran
"Elevated RPM with increased ROP," Hart's E&P Magazine, February 2009; by Cary Maurstad
"Reinventing a Company," Hart's E&P Magazine, February 2009; by Jim Nixon
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| Houston Manufacturing Passes ISO 9001 Audit
Varel's Quality Management System Audit was performed by our Registrar, DNV, during the last week of December 2008. The results indicate our system is sound and our employees are following the documented procedures. The auditor noted two minor findings to be implemented by March 22, 2009. These require that we identify the training needed by new employees and provide records of this training, as well as a written record of our own internal audit schedule.
A special thanks to Quality Control Inspector Bruce Fowler for his work in preparing the Houston facility for inspection.
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Upcoming Events — Visit the Varel booth at these industry events
SPE/IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition
March 17-19, 2009
RAI Congress Centre
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Learn more
Middle East Oil Show
March 15-18, 2009
Bahrain International Exhibition Centre
Kingdom of Bahrain
Learn more
SPE/ICoTA Coiled Tubing & Well Intervention
March 31- April 1, 2009
The Woodlands Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
The Woodlands, TX
Learn more
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