Experimental Investigation of Force Response, Efficiency, and Wear Behaviors of Polycrystalline Diamond Rock Cutters

Abstract

Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters are the most extensively used tool for rock drilling in superdeep oil and gas exploration, in which the air drilling technology without drilling fluid is highly promoted. This study examined the performance of PDC cutters in air drilling, including their friction angle, cutting force, specific energy, and wear behaviors, using a home-made testing apparatus and a commercial tribometer. It also investigated the dependence of cutting force on cutting depth and back rake angle. Results obtained in both dry conditions and in drilling fluid media were compared, and a tentative explanation to the observed differences was brought about by these two environments.

Keywords

• Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC)
• rock cutting
• air drilling
• tribological properties
• wear behaviors