Drill bit solutions
Innovation & Technology Advantages
1. Premium Bearing Systems for Maximum Life
The bearing is the heart of any tricone bit—when it fails, the bit fails. Kingdream has developed multiple high‑precision bearing technologies for different applications.
| Bearing Type | Features | Typical IADC Code (3rd digit) | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open roller/ball bearing | Standard, low cost | 1 | Soft formations, low RPM |
| Sealed roller bearing (rubber O‑ring) | Longer life in moderate conditions | 3 or 4 | Medium formations |
| Sealed journal bearing (rubber O‑ring) | High load capacity, better for high RPM | 5 | Medium‑hard formations |
| Metal face seal bearing | Extreme durability, best for abrasive/high‑temp formations | 6 or 7 | Hard, abrasive, high‑temperature wells |
Kingdream tricone bits feature high‑precision bearings with a composite roller‑journal design (rolling elements + arc‑shaped slides) for superior abrasion and seizure resistance. The bearing surfaces are hardfaced with friction‑reducing alloy and then silver‑plated, offering excellent resistance to both wear and seizure, making them suitable for high rotary speeds.
For sealing, rubber O‑ring seals are used with an advanced compensation system that maintains positive pressure inside the bearing, limiting pressure differential and greatly increasing lubricating reliability. For extreme conditions, metal face seals are available for the hardest, most abrasive formations.
2. Advanced PDC Cutter Technology — Shaped Cutters and Premium Diamond
PDC bit performance comes down to three things: the cutter, the cutter, and the cutter. Kingdream offers imported PDC compacts with diamond table thickness typically ≥ 2 mm and advanced adhesion between the diamond layer and the tungsten carbide substrate.
Our shaped‑cutter PDC bits feature non‑planar diamond cutters that significantly enhance durability against both abrasion and impact, allowing bits to drill greater footage in highly abrasive sandstone formations. Optimising PDC bit design with shaped cutters addresses numerous drilling challenges, including vibration, lateral stability and cutter overheating.
Kingdream also offers RSS (rotary steerable system) PDC bits, optimised for directional drilling with reduced make‑up length and improved build‑up rate consistency. These have been widely applied in Kuwait and other directional campaigns.
3. Hybrid Bits — The Best of Both Worlds
Sometimes a formation is too hard for a PDC bit but too soft for a TCI bit to be economical. That’s where hybrid bits shine. Kingdream has actively promoted large‑size hybrid bits, which combine PDC cutters on the inner portion of the bit with TCI inserts on the gauge row. The result:
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Smoother torque response than a conventional PDC bit
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Higher ROP than a TCI bit in the same formation
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Greatly improved durability in interbedded sequences where a standard PDC would suffer cutter breakage
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Excellent directional control with less bit bounce
In Kuwait operations, Kingdream’s hybrid bits have been a key factor in raising average ROP by over 20%.
4. Diamond Bits for the World’s Deepest Wells
When conventional PDC and TCI bits reach their limits, diamond bits take over. Sinopec’s diamond drill bit is playing a major role in excavating an ultra‑deep oil well in the Tarim Basin, where depths exceed 10,000 m.
Our diamond bits rely entirely on circular superhard diamond composite sheets to drill through extremely hard rock layers, using both "drilling force” and "grinding force”. In the Shendi Take 1 well (designed depth 11,100 m), the diamond bit drilled through layers with cumulative equipment weight exceeding 2,000 metric tons—proving the technology for the most extreme downhole conditions on Earth.
5. In‑House Manufacturing, Full Quality Control
We don’t rely on subcontractors for critical components. Kingdream’s advanced manufacturing facilities include five‑axis machining centres and specialised bearing fabrication lines. We can produce complete sets of downhole tool strings, including KD Force ultra‑high‑torque downhole motors, torque impactors and more.
This in‑house capability, combined with our core technologies in ultra‑high pressure structure, ultra‑hard materials, ultra‑high control ability and ultra‑high precision manufacturing, gives us a unique edge in developing and delivering bits that consistently perform.
6. API Spec 7‑2 and ISO 9001 Certified
All Kingdream drill bits are designed, manufactured and tested to API Spec 7‑2 (Rotary Drill Stem Elements) and are ISO 9001:2008 certified. Third‑party inspection through DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s or any accredited agency is available.
Our manufacturing process is open to customer supervision, and we provide full traceability documentation for every certified component.
Technical Specifications — Drill Bit Tables
Tricone Bits — Steel Tooth vs. TCI
All bits comply with API Spec 7‑2. The IADC code is the global shorthand that tells you everything about a bit’s intended formation and design.
| IADC Code Range | Cutting Structure | Formation | Typical Bearing (3rd digit) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111–137 | Steel tooth (milled) | Very soft to soft | 1–3 (open or sealed roller) | Top‑hole sections, shallow vertical wells |
| 211–247 | Steel tooth (milled) | Soft to medium | 1–3 (open or sealed roller) | Conventional onshore wells |
| 311–347 | Steel tooth (milled) | Medium to hard | 1–3 (open or sealed roller) | Deeper vertical wells, some directional |
| 417–447 | TCI | Very soft to soft | 4–5 (sealed roller/journal) | Soft formations with interbedded harder streaks |
| 517–547 | TCI | Soft to medium | 5–6 (sealed journal, metal seal) | Medium formations, extended intervals |
| 617–647 | TCI | Medium to hard | 6–7 (sealed journal, metal seal) | Hard, abrasive formations |
| 737–777 | TCI | Hard to extremely hard | 6–7 (metal seal + gage protection) | Ultra‑deep wells, highly abrasive strata |
TCI bits use pressed‑to‑shape tungsten carbide inserts and are much more durable than steel tooth bits. They are recommended for medium‑hard to very hard, abrasive formations.
Steel tooth bits have cutting elements machined directly into the steel cones and hardfaced with tungsten carbide. They are lower cost and perform well in soft to medium formations.
Kingdream Steel Tooth (Milled Tooth) Tricone Bits — Complete Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ (95.3 mm) to 26″ (660.4 mm) |
| IADC coverage | All codes from 111 through 347 |
| Material | High‑manganese steel with tungsten carbide hardfacing |
| Hardfacing application | On all surfaces of the steel tooth cutting structure and shirttail tip |
| Bearing options | Open roller/ball (IADC 1–2), sealed roller (IADC 3) |
| Connection thread | API REG (2 7/8″ through 7 5/8″) |
| Nozzles | Tungsten carbide orifice plates, various diameters |
Kingdream TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert) Tricone Bits — Complete Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ to 26″ |
| IADC coverage | All codes from 417 through 777 |
| Insert material | Premium tungsten carbide (spherical, conical, chisel shapes) |
| Bearing options | Sealed journal bearing with rubber O‑ring (IADC 4–5) or metal face seal (IADC 6–7) |
| Cone locking | Ball‑locked cone to prevent cone drop |
| Gage protection | Tungsten carbide inserts in outer rows and gage surfaces |
| Connection thread | API REG |
| Grease system | Positive‑pressure grease compensation system with flexible diaphragm |
PDC Drill Bits — Complete Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ to 17 1/2″ (95 mm – 445 mm) |
| Body type | Steel body or tungsten carbide matrix body |
| Cutter diameter | 13 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm, or 25 mm premium synthetic diamond compacts |
| Cutter shape | Planar and non‑planar (shaped‑cutter) options |
| Blade count | 3 to 9 blades |
| Recommended ROP | 8–60 m/h depending on formation |
| Hydraulic design | CFD‑optimised nozzle placement |
| Connection thread | API REG |
PDC Blade Count Selection Guide
| Number of Blades | Typical Bit Diameter | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 blades | 4 3/4″ – 6 1/2″ | Smaller PDC bits, directional drilling |
| 5–6 blades | 6 1/2″ – 8 1/2″ | Standard general purpose |
| 6–7 blades | 8 1/2″ – 9 7/8″ | Medium diameter, balanced designs |
| 7–9 blades | 12 1/4″ and larger | Large diameter, reduced vibration |
Kingdream Diamond Drill Bits — for Ultra‑Deep and Hard Formation Drilling
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 1/2″ to 36″ |
| Types available | Impregnated diamond, surface‑set natural diamond, diamond‑enhanced PDC |
| Diamond type | Synthetic diamond composite sheets, circular superhard diamond composites |
| Cutting mechanism | Combined "drilling force” and "grinding force” |
| Application | Ultra‑deep wells >7,000 m, extremely hard/abrasive formations |
| Matrix material | Premium tungsten carbide matrix body |
Selection Guide — IADC vs. Formation Hardness
This table helps you match the correct IADC code range to your formation properties.
| Formation Type | Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) | IADC Code Range | Recommended Bit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very soft, low strength | 0 – 1,500 psi | 111–117 | Steel tooth tricone |
| Soft, low abrasive | 1,500 – 4,000 psi | 211–247 | Steel tooth tricone |
| Medium, some abrasive | 4,000 – 8,000 psi | 311–347 | Steel tooth or TCI |
| Medium‑hard, abrasive | 8,000 – 15,000 psi | 417–447 | TCI tricone |
| Hard, abrasive | 15,000 – 25,000 psi | 517–547 | TCI tricone or PDC |
| Very hard, extremely abrasive | 25,000 – 35,000+ psi | 617–647 / 737–777 | TCI tricone or diamond |
| Variable, interbedded | Variable | Hybrid | Kingdream hybrid bit |
Recommended Operating Parameters
Always start with manufacturer recommendations and adjust based on downhole conditions.
| IADC Code | Recommended WOB (kN/mm of bit diameter) | Recommended Rotary Speed (RPM) |
|---|---|---|
| 111–117 | 0.3–0.75 | 200–80 |
| 211–247 | 0.5–1.0 | 180–70 |
| 417–447 | 0.75–1.1 | 160–60 |
| 517–547 | 1.0–1.5 | 120–40 |
| 617–647 | 1.3–1.8 | 90–35 |
| 737–777 | 1.5–2.0 | 70–25 |
Cost‑Per‑Foot Insight
Although a drill bit may only represent 3–5% of total well cost, it can account for 30–40% of non‑productive time due to tripping, bit failure and NPT. Selecting the wrong bit costs far more than the price difference between a premium and a budget bit—we focus on cost‑per‑foot, not sticker price.
Applications — Where Our Drill Bit Solutions Deliver
| Application | Formation Characteristics | Recommended Bit Type | Key Challenge Solved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional onshore vertical wells | Soft to medium shales, sands, limestones | Steel tooth tricone or 5–6 blade PDC | Cost efficiency, fast penetration |
| Horizontal and directional wells | Variable hardness, interbedded | PDC (5–6 blades, 16 mm cutters) or RSS PDC bit | Build‑up stability, extended reach |
| Deep wells (5,000–7,000 m) | Hard, compacted, abrasive | TCI tricone (IADC 5xx–7xx) or matrix PDC | Durability, gage retention |
| Ultra‑deep wells (>7,000 m to 11,100 m) | Extremely hard, high confining stress | Diamond drill bits | Overcoming extreme hardness, grinding action |
| Offshore platform drilling | Variable, often with interbedded hard streaks | Matrix PDC with premium cutters | Long runs, reduced trips |
| Unconventional (shale) drilling | Shale with chert lenses, interbedded | PDC (high blade count, 16 mm cutters) | Vibration mitigation, consistent ROP |
| Workover and re‑entry | Existing wellbores with cement/scale | Steel tooth tricone | Controlled break‑up, economical |
| Algerian Sahara fields | Complex, heterogenous strata, severe abrasiveness | Sinopec full‑size drill bits | Breaking technical bottlenecks of complex strata |
| Kuwait oilfields | Carbonate formations | Hybrid bits, shaped‑cutter PDC bits, RSS PDC bits | Improving ROP by >20% |
Case example — Kingdream’s record‑breaking bit run: In May 2024, a combination of a Kingdream customised 9 1/2‑inch four‑blade KSF diamond bit and a 197 mm high‑torque downhole motor achieved 5,818 m "one trip drilling” footage in the northern Tarim block, setting a national record for longest single‑run drilling footage. This is what our drill bit solutions can achieve in the right application.
Drill Bit Types — Complete Kingdream Product Line
Our product line is divided into the following major categories:
| Product Type | API PSL | Diameter Range | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tricone bits — Steel tooth (milled tooth) | API 7‑2 | 3 3/4″ – 26″ | Very soft to medium formations |
| Tricone bits — TCI (tungsten carbide insert) | API 7‑2 | 3 3/4″ – 26″ | Medium to very hard formations |
| PDC bits — Steel body | API 7‑2 | 3 3/4″ – 17 1/2″ | Soft to medium‑hard formations |
| PDC bits — Matrix body | API 7‑2 | 3 3/4″ – 17 1/2″ | Moderately abrasive to hard formations |
| Hybrid bits | API 7‑2 | 6″ – 12 1/4″ | Interbedded formations where PDC or TCI alone struggle |
| Diamond drill bits | API 7‑2 | 3 1/2″ – 26″ | Ultra‑deep wells, extremely hard formations |
Why Choose Kingdream / Sinopec for Your Drill Bit Solutions?
1. National Manufacturing Champion — Award‑Winning Bit Technology
SOFE has been awarded three National Manufacturing Champions, including for drill bits. Our Kingdream roller cone bits are recognised as a "National Manufacturing Single Item Champion Demonstration Enterprise”.
2. Proven in the World’s Most Challenging Formations
Kingdream drill bits have conquered complex strata in Algeria, Kuwait, China’s Tarim Basin and many other challenging basins. Our diamond bits are instrumental in China’s first 10,000‑m ultra‑deep well.
3. 40+ Years of Drill Bit Manufacturing Heritage
Kingdream has been dedicated to drill bits and tools for over 40 years in the oil and gas industry. This cumulative expertise spans multiple geological basins, giving us unique cross‑formation rock‑breaking insights.
4. Complete API 7‑2 Certification Across All Sizes
All Kingdream drill bits are designed, manufactured and tested to API Spec 7‑2, covering roller cone bits, fixed cutter bits and diamond bits. Third‑party inspection available.
5. Vertically Integrated Manufacturing — Full Quality Control
We design, manufacture and test all drill bits in‑house at our five‑axis machining centres and advanced manufacturing facilities. SOFE has 16 proprietary production lines spanning drill bits, rigs and cementing units.
6. Global Reach — 40+ Countries, Major Continents
SOFE has exported products to more than 40 countries and regions, including North America, the Middle East, Russia and South America.
7. Comprehensive Certification and Quality Management
Our bits are available with API, ISO 9001, GOST and CE certification. Our manufacturing process can be supervised by customers and inspected by any third‑party certification agency.
8. 30–50% Lower Cost — Same API Certification
Kingdream bits are typically priced 30–50% below comparable Western premium brands for equivalent API 7‑2 certified specifications, due to our vertically integrated manufacturing and state‑owned enterprise resources.
9. Full Downhole Tool Integration
Kingdream can now produce complete sets of downhole tool strings, including KD Force ultra‑high‑torque downhole motors, torque impactors and more—allowing us to offer integrated bit and bottomhole assembly (BHA) solutions for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the IADC code, and why does it matter?
The IADC code is the global standard classification for roller cone bits (first digit = cutting structure/formation series, second digit = formation hardness, third digit = bearing/seal/gage protection). For milled tooth bits, the first digit is 1–3, and for TCI bits it is 4–8. When selecting a bit, the IADC code is the fastest way to match the bit to your formation.
Q2: What is the difference between a steel tooth (milled tooth) tricone bit and a TCI tricone bit?
A steel tooth bit has cutting elements machined directly into the steel cones, typically hardfaced with tungsten carbide. These are lower‑cost and suited for soft to medium formations. A TCI bit has pressed‑to‑shape tungsten carbide inserts installed into the cones. TCI bits are much more durable and are used in medium‑hard to very hard, abrasive formations.
Q3: What is the difference between PDC bits and roller cone bits?
PDC bits use synthetic diamond cutters that shear rock, delivering faster ROP and longer life in suitable formations, but they can be vulnerable in hard, interbedded sequences. Roller cone bits crush and gouge the formation, making them more tolerant of impact loading in very hard, fractured formations. Hybrid bits combine both technologies for interbedded conditions.
Q4: What sizes does Kingdream manufacture?
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Tricone bits: 3 3/4″ to 26″.
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PDC bits: 3 3/4″ to 17 1/2″.
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Diamond bits: 3 1/2″ to 26″.
Q5: What are the bearing seal options on Kingdream tricone bits?
We offer:
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Open roller/ball bearings (IADC code ends in 1 or 2) — lowest cost, used in soft formations.
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Sealed roller bearings with rubber O‑ring (IADC code ends in 3 or 4) — longer life in moderate conditions.
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Sealed journal bearings with rubber O‑ring (IADC code ends in 5) — high load capacity.
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Metal face seals (IADC code ends in 6 or 7) — extreme durability for the hardest, most abrasive, high‑temperature wells.
Q6: What is the lead time for a Kingdream drill bit?
For standard sizes (8 1/2″, 12 1/4″) and common IADC codes, typical lead time is 4–6 weeks from order confirmation to shipment. Custom bits require 8–12 weeks.
Q7: How do Kingdream bit prices compare to Western brands?
Kingdream bits are typically priced 30–50% lower than comparable Western premium brands (Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Schlumberger, NOV) for equivalent API 7‑2 certified specifications. We focus on cost‑per‑foot, not sticker price.
Q8: Does Kingdream offer custom bit design?
Yes. With three research institutes, and a broad network of field engineers, we can design custom bits for your specific formation and well profile. Our R&D and marketing for different product types are integrated, continuously promoting the combined design and supply of drill bits and drilling tools.
Q9: What is a shaped‑cutter PDC bit?
A shaped‑cutter PDC bit uses non‑planar diamond cutters that enhance durability against both abrasion and impact, allowing the bit to drill greater footage in highly abrasive sandstone formations while reducing the risk of cutter breakage in interbedded sections. Kingdream shaped‑cutter PDC bits have been widely applied in Kuwait and are a core part of our current product offering.
