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Struggling with Granite Drilling? The Right PDC Bit is Your Solution!

Apr 16,2025

PDC bit selection for drilling into hard rock such as granite
Struggling with Granite Drilling? The Right PDC Bit is Your Solution!

Struggling with Granite Drilling? The Right PDC Bit is Your Solution! 

Granite is one of the toughest formations to drill, but choosing the correct PDC bit can make all the difference. Here’s how to optimize your drilling performance with the right PDC bit selection and operation.  

 

Why Standard Bits Fail in Granite (And How a PDC Bit Solves It)  

 

Granite’s high quartz content and extreme hardness cause:  

Rapid wear on conventional bits  

Slow penetration rates  

Frequent bit changes, increasing downtime  

 

A PDC bit (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) is engineered to handle granite’s challenges with:  

Diamond-enhanced cutters for longer life 

Thermal stability to resist heat damage  

Optimized hydraulics for efficient cuttings removal 

 

1. Cutter Design Matters  

Premium PDC cutters (16-25µm diamond grit)  

Chamfered edges to reduce impact fractures  

High-density layout (4-6 cutters per inch)  

 

2. Body & Gauge Protection 

Reinforced matrix body for durability  

Extended gauge pads to prevent sidewall wear  

Hardfacing on high-wear areas  

 

3. Hydraulic Efficiency  

Large nozzles (14-18mm) for better fluid flow  

Asymmetric junk slots to prevent balling  

Turbulent flow design for cleaner holes  

 

PDC Bit Performance Comparison  

PDC Bit Type

Depth Rating

PDC Bit Life

ROP Performance

Standard PDC Bit

<2000m

80-120h

8-12m/h

Premium PDC Bit

2000-4500m

150-200h

6-9m/h

Hybrid PDC Bit

Full depth

100-150h

7-10m/h

3 Pro Tips to Maximize Your PDC Bit’s Life 

 

1. Break It In Slowly

   • Start with 50% normal WOB for the first 30m 

   • Gradually increase to full drilling parameters 

 

2. Monitor Vibration  

   • Excessive vibration damages PDC cutters 

   • Keep RPM between 120-180 for stability  

 

3. Optimize Hydraulics  

   • Ensure adequate flow rate (0.8-1.2 m/s annular velocity)  

   • Use high-pressure nozzles for better cleaning 

The Future of PDC Bits 

 

Smart PDC bits with embedded sensors  

Self-sharpening cutters for extended life  

Hybrid designs for mixed formations  

 

👉 Explore our PDC bit solutions here

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