Ulterra

RipSaw from Ulterra is the PDC bit that keeps you drilling smoothly through changing conditions, limiting torque spikes while delivering consistent engagement that improve performance and maintain ROP. This is especially difficult to achieve in drilling environments with high interfacial severity between formations. Ulterra engineers devised our award-winning Ripsaw technology to anticipate and resist sudden changes in rock properties and adapt the depth of cut (DOC) to the reactive torque that follows.  

Many applications involve drilling through formation transitions that have high degrees of change in the compressive strength of the rock. Not just between formations tops, but interbedded formations as well. This means additional protection is often required, typically in the form of depth of cut control. 

Active Torque means that the solution is active across the drill bit’s entire range of depth of cut and part of the cutting structure that is actively engaged in drilling. Rather than using under-exposed and underwhelming secondary elements, RipSaw uses cutting elements which are always actively engaged. With cutter backrakes poised to deliver a more manageable torque response, drillers experience better feel and feedback across the entire operating range of the bit, with superior reliability.

Split Blade® from Ulterra is an evolution of PDC bit design and advanced hydraulics in drilling mechanics. Taking the industry by storm in 2018, Ulterra’s award-winning Split Blade PDC bits have been used in every major basin across the globe. In it’s first year, the patented blade, cutter, and nozzle configuration has yielded over 5000 runs, 30 million feet drilled, and saved thousands of drilling hours by offering improved evacuation resulting in longer cutter life. Split Blade technology has ushered in a new generation of high-performance drill bits for the Oil & Gas industry.

If you’re drilling, you’re creating cuttings. These cuttings can stagnate and collect around the cutters and within the junk slot of most bits, impeding evacuation and limiting not only the volume of rock that can be evacuated (a direct function of ROP), but also limiting your operating depth of cut. 

The innovative design of SplitBlade looks different than traditional straight blade drill bits because it serves a purpose in changing performance. The primary blades are offset after the cone and the outer shoulders are rotated, creating double-barrel hydraulic channels that promote high speed cuttings evacuation and free up more area for the junk slot.

CounterForce from Ulterra was developed to combat drilling dysfunction caused by systemic lateral vibration. Counterforce PDC bits are field-proven across over 20 basins globally, with records set in every interval and collectively drilling 50 million feet of hole every year! With Ulterra’s patented CounterForce technology, operators take back control of their BHA from the harmful effects of vibration and find new levels of performance.  Drill faster, and remove more rock with less energy when the drilling force is working with you rather than against you. 

Downhole drilling vibration caused by bit-to-formation engagement is the root cause of multiple common drilling issues that can damage drilling tools and equipment. Specifically, lateral vibration is detrimental to the integrity of traditional cutting structures in most drill bits, regardless of the cutters used. 

Counterforce works by strategically positioning each cutting element for maximum cutting efficiency while also maintaining a continuous progression of work across the overall cutter layout. By leveraging alternating degrees of cutter orientation, Counterforce PDC bits slice the formation allowing the bit to grasp the bottom hole pattern, with the resultant traction limiting destructive and efficiency-robbing vibration. This improves tool face control while enhancing bit life and dull condition.