L.M. Smith/Security DBS; V.P. Perrin/Chevron Petroleum Technology Co.; R. Delwiche/Security DBS tip~ght 1998, Sooiety of Petroleum Engineers, Inc s pep.9r was prepared for p~ntstion at the IADUSPE Asia Pacific Driig Technolcg' 98held in Jaketi, Indonesia, 74 September, Im, This paper was seleoted for presentation by an SPE program Cornmiw follting ti~Of information mnteined in an abstracf submitted by the author(s). Contente of the pa~r, as presented, have nti been revi~by the %Iety of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to mrrection by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any pmtion of the Wety of Peboleum Engineers, ik officers, or members. Papers pr~nted at SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial CommMees of the Wety d Petroleum Engineers Permiaaion to mpy is rmtricted to an abetract of not more than W words. Illu%tions may not be mpied, The absireot should contain wnspicuous acknolwedgment of where and by whom the paper was pr-nted. Wrii Librarian, SPE, P.0, h _ Richardson, TX 7=3030, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-S435. AbstractNew bit technolog was used to create a series of steel body bits which incorporate proven PDC bit design features for improved~rformance. The bits have achieved field records in filly one-third of the applications in which they were introduced. The teehnolo~deseribed includes all aspeets of bit application, including new manufacturing processes, advanced design engineering, a unique nozzle configuration and use of a computerized rock compressive strength analysis program to refine application.Field performance of steel body PDC bits is detailed and Compared to mnventional matrix body bits to illustrate the resulting performance improvements possible with propr stwl body PDC bit application.

New steel body PDC bit technology is shown to enhance drilling performance in a range of applications previously limited to matrix body bits. Specific aspects of the technology are &taile& including various proven desigm features, and unique manufacturing and materials treatment. In addition. the paper addresses the impact of increasing energy available at the bit face through utilization of a new hydraulic jet technology in combination with the advanced features of steel body PDC bits. Case histories are included to describe the application range of the new steel body bits, in terms of Mh drilling performance and economic impact.