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Hard Rock Drilling Slow? 3 PDC Bit Solutions

Apr 17,2025

This article reveals how PDC bits (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact bits) leverage three cutting-edge innovations to overcome these obstacles, backed by scientific research and field-proven results.
Hard Rock Drilling Slow? 3 PDC Bit Solutions

In geological exploration and energy extraction, drilling through granite, quartzite, and other hard rock formations remains a critical challenge. Conventional drill bits often struggle with rapid wear and inconsistent performance. This article reveals how PDC bits (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact bits) leverage three cutting-edge innovations to overcome these obstacles, backed by scientific research and field-proven results.  

1. PDC Cutters: Diamond-Enhanced Durability

The core breakthrough of PDC bits lies in their engineered PDC cutters. Each cutter combines nanoscale synthetic diamond layers with a tungsten carbide base, sintered at 2,500°C and 5 GPa pressure. With a Vickers hardness of 10,000 HV, these cutters outperform traditional carbide by 280%. IADC SPE Paper 20987-RE documents a granite drilling trial where PDC bits achieved 800+ operational hours—6x longer than tungsten carbide bits—while maintaining a penetration rate of 4.2 m/h.  

 

2. Asymmetric Blade Design: Stabilizing Extreme Forces 

To counteract hard rock vibrations, SUNGOOD TECH's PDC bits utilize CFD-optimized blade geometries. A case study in Sichuan’s shale gas fields demonstrated a 55% reduction in axial vibration amplitude. Paired with real-time pressure sensors, these bits sustained 3.2 m/h drilling speeds in flint layers (HRC55), aligning with ISO 21457 standards for high-stress tool design.  

 

3. Thermal-Regulated Cutters: Beating 600°C Heat  

High temperatures remain a major failure trigger. SUNGOOD TECH’s patented PDC cutters (Patent No. US2023178321A1) feature sulfur-infused interfaces that boost thermal conductivity to 240 W/m·K. In Chile’s El Teniente copper mine, this innovation enabled continuous 500-meter drilling at 400°C, reducing coolant costs by 42% compared to conventional models.  

 

What hard rock formations challenge your projects most? Share insights below or explore SUNGOOD TECH’s rock-specific solutions.  

 

Free Resource: [Download Our Case Study] on PDC bit performance in granite and basalt. 

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