Innovation and Technology
Solid modeling design
Our Hughes Christensen PDC or Tricone bit began life on our engineering teams’ desktops. Customized solid-modeling CAD systems enable us to refine each design iteration through visual inspection. We seamlessly transfer the product model to customized analysis tools that further enhance development. Another system creates the final solid-model drawing for production. Using CAM technology, numerically controlled programs are generated from the solid model. Computerized simulations continuously check the programs to ensure error-free information reaches the shop floor.
FEA finite element analysis
Our engineers use FEA to model stress and strain in materials, elastomers, and rock-like materials for greater bit durability. We can predict cutting structure failures so you receive a continuously improved product. In Tricone bits, FEA enables understanding of bearing contact stress for new bearing geometries, carbide tooth stress for more durable tungsten carbide inserts, and carbide grade differences for better materials. In PDC bits, FEA enables us to move harmful residual stress away from the PDC cutters’ edge, significantly increasing cutter life.
Materials research
We continuously monitor the strength and fracture toughness of our Tricone and PDC drill bit materials to lower your cost-per-foot drilled while improving durability and longevity. This work has enabled us to introduce improved grease, bearings, and seals. Analytical tools, including acoustic, electron, and optical microscopes are part of our phase and fracture-surface studies.
Drilling Technology Laboratory
Bits up to 12 1/4 inches are put to the test in the real-world drilling environment of our full-scale drilling simulator: WOB, ROP, rotary speed, and hydraulics are reviewed. We examine the borehole and bottomhole pattern, which can’t be seen in field. Full-scale atmospheric test machinery delivers wear studies and steerability, dynamic, and visualization analysis. Two boring mills, a visual single-point cutter machine, a rock lathe, an erosion tester, and a torsion machine round out our laboratory.
BETA Baker Hughes Experimental Test Area
Located in a depleted oil field near Tulsa, Oklahoma, BETA brings field-proven technology to your operations faster while reducing the risk of using unproven tools in your well. This is a unique resource for testing in a range of geological formations a variety of drilling, completion, and production tools on a full-scale rig. All of the real-time data and information, including a rig floor video, are available on the Baker Hughes intranet for immediate analysis.
Product Evaluation Laboratory
In this laboratory, we autopsy used bits to determine performance problems. Our engineers conduct top to bottom in-depth wear and failure analysis of cutting structures, bearings, seals, and other bit elements. The laboratory closes the loop of our total commitment to your drilling success.


































































