Evolution of Cutting Structure Solutions for Geothermal Wells

2pm London, UK Time
6pm Dubai, UAE Time
The potential for geothermal resources to be a transformative energy source for the future of our planet is well understood and documented. With an ever-increasing global demand for cleaner, sustainable power generation, geothermal has been identified as one of several energy sources that can help meet the planet’s future power generation needs. 

When drilling in the subsurface, the drill bit plays a key role in the well construction process. The bit’s evolution over the last few decades, especially the shift from using traditional roller cone to fixed cutter bits in the oil and gas industry, has had a significant impact on lowering well construction costs. However, drilling geothermal wells presents unique challenges compared with conventional oil and gas wells, particularly from a bit drillability perspective. Geothermal wells are typically drilled in areas with high-temperature formations and elevated rock strength, requiring drill bits that can withstand the high temperatures and can drill through hard, abrasive lithologies such as igneous and metamorphic rocks. 

A renewed focus on application-specific cutting structure design with the latest generation of advanced synthetic diamond cutters allows fixed cutter bits to drill deeper and faster than roller cone bits, reducing well construction costs. Case studies and lessons learned from global hard rock drilling applications from geothermal and oil and gas wells demonstrate that where technology, application, and knowledge are combined, a step change in well construction performance is delivered. Significant developments in tougher synthetic diamond materials in conjunction with optimized cutting shapes and design prove that the current generation of fixed cutter bits are capable of being used in the most challenging geothermal subsurface environments.