Drilling bits
Technical Specifications — Complete Reference Tables
IADC Code Selection Guide
The IADC classification system is the global standard for identifying roller cone bits.
| IADC Code Range | Cutting Structure | Formation Type | Bit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111–137 | Steel tooth (milled) | Very soft to soft | Soft formation tricone bits |
| 211–247 | Steel tooth (milled) | Soft to medium | Steel tooth tricone bits |
| 311–347 | Steel tooth (milled) | Medium to hard | Medium formation drill bits |
| 417–447 | TCI | Very soft to soft | TCI tricone bits |
| 517–547 | TCI | Soft to medium | Premium TCI bits |
| 617–647 | TCI | Medium to hard | Hard formation TCI bits |
| 737–777 | TCI | Hard to extremely hard | Extreme formation TCI bits |
IADC Code Interpretation:
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First digit (1–8): Cutting structure and formation series (1–3 steel tooth; 4–8 TCI)
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Second digit (1–8): Formation hardness within series (1 = very soft … 8 = extremely hard)
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Third digit (1–7): Bearing/seal/gage protection design
Recommended Operating Parameters
| 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 |
PDC Drill Bit Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ – 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‑optimized nozzle placement |
Steel Tooth (Milled Tooth) Tricone Bits
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ to 26″ |
| Material | High‑manganese steel with tungsten carbide hardfacing |
| Hardfacing application | On all surfaces of the cutting structure and shirttail tip |
| Common IADC codes | 111, 115, 116, 117, 121, 126, 127, 131, 136, 137, 216, 217, 316, 317, 326, 327, 336, 337, etc. |
TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert) Tricone Bits
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3 3/4″ to 26″ |
| Insert material | Premium tungsten carbide (spherical, conical, chisel shapes) |
| Bearing options | Sealed journal bearing (rubber O‑ring or metal face seal) |
| Common IADC codes | 417, 437, 515, 517, 535, 537, 617, 637, etc. |
Kingdream Diamond Drill Bits
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bit diameter range | 3″ to 36″ |
| Types available | Impregnated diamond, surface‑set natural diamond, diamond‑enhanced PDC, four‑blade KSF fast drilling diamond |
| Cutting mechanism | Combined "drilling force” and "grinding force” through circular superhard diamond composite sheets |
| Application | Ultra‑deep wells (>7,000 m), extremely hard/abrasive formations |
| Weight‑bearing capacity | Up to 2,000+ metric tons cumulative equipment weight |
Connection Threads
All Kingdream drill bits use API Regular (API REG) connections, the industry standard for rotary drilling connections as specified in API Spec 7‑2. Thread sizes vary by bit diameter (2 7/8" REG up to 7 5/8” REG).
[Product images: Kingdream TCI tricone bit — tungsten carbide insert technology for hard formation drilling]
Drill Bit Product Types
1. Tricone Bits (Rock Bits)
The classic roller cone design for conventional drilling. Kingdream offers the full IADC spectrum:
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Steel Tooth (Milled Tooth) Tricone Bits (IADC 111–347): Lower cost, excellent for soft to medium formations, top-hole sections, and shallower wells. Features include high stability, force‑balanced cutting structure, and reasonable price with long useful life.
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TCI Tricone Bits (IADC 417–777): Tungsten carbide insert technology for medium‑hard to extremely hard, abrasive formations. Maximize the use of both conical and chisel tungsten carbide inserts of large diameter and high projection, with cutting structure design optimized for higher compressive strength formations.
2. PDC Drill Bits
Polycrystalline diamond compact bits for soft to medium‑hard formations with high ROP and extended life:
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Steel body PDC bits: Excellent toughness, lower cost, suitable for softer formations
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Matrix body PDC bits: Superior erosion and abrasion resistance, ideal for hard formations and high‑velocity drilling fluids
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Shaped‑cutter PDC bits: Non‑planar diamond cutters for enhanced durability in abrasive sandstone
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RSS PDC bits: Optimized for rotary steerable directional drilling
3. Hybrid Drill Bits
Combining the shearing action of PDC cutters with the crushing action of TCI inserts:
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Three‑stage cutting toothed‑cone hybrid bit (patented): Increases crushing from conventional two stages to three stages, widely applicable in interlayers, hard strata, and hard‑plastic beds. Effectively solves problems of insufficient formation biting, low ROP, cutting tooth wear, and short service life.
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Large‑size hybrid bits: Actively promoted by Kingdream in Kuwait for carbonate formations
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Hybrid bits with enhanced core cutting function: For petroleum, natural gas and geology drilling
4. Diamond Drill Bits
Ultra‑deep well and extreme‑hard formation specialists:
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Four‑blade KSF fast drilling pioneer diamond drill bit: Combined with a high‑torque, equal‑stress downhole motor, has shattered over 30 performance records in the Tarim Basin
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Diamond composite sheet bits: Circular superhard diamond composite sheets provide both "drilling force” and "grinding force” through extremely hard rock layers
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Heat‑resistant diamond bits: Engineered for ultra‑deep, high‑temperature downhole conditions
Applications — Where Kingdream Drill Bits Excel
| Application | Formation Characteristics | Recommended Bit Type | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional onshore vertical wells | Soft to medium shale, sandstone, limestone | Steel tooth tricone (IADC 111–247) or 5–6 blade PDC | Cost‑effective, high ROP |
| Deep to ultra‑deep wells (>5,000 m) | Hard, compacted, highly abrasive | TCI tricone (IADC 517–647) or matrix PDC | Extended bit life, gage retention |
| Horizontal / directional wells | Variable hardness, interbedded | RSS PDC bit, shaped‑cutter PDC | Consistent build‑up, reduced steering adjustments |
| Ultra‑deep wells (7,000 m – 11,100 m) | Extremely hard, high confining stress, ultra‑high temperature | Diamond drill bit, four‑blade KSF fast drilling diamond | Grinding action overcomes extreme hardness |
| Complex interlayered formations | Alternating soft/hard beds, hard plastic | Three‑stage hybrid bit | Superior formation biting, solves conventional hybrid limitations |
| Carbonate reservoirs (Middle East) | Hard, fractured carbonates | Large‑size hybrid bit, shaped‑cutter PDC | >20% ROP improvement, field‑proven in Kuwait |
| Complex stratigraphic basins (Algeria) | High geological complexity, technical bottlenecks | Sinopec full‑size drill bits | Breaking through complex strata constraints |
| Unconventional shale gas wells | Shale with chert lenses, interbedded layers | High blade count PDC, 16 mm cutters | Vibration mitigation, consistent ROP |
Field Performance Highlights
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Kuwait Oil Company (KOC): Kingdream entered a long‑term drill bit service contract with KOC in 2022. Large‑size hybrid bits, shaped‑cutter PDC bits, and RSS PDC bits have been widely applied, with average ROP improved by more than 20% through continuous product iteration in each oilfield block.
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Tarim Basin ultra‑deep well: A Kingdream four‑blade KSF fast drilling pioneer diamond drill bit combined with a high‑torque, equal‑stress downhole motor achieved national record for longest single‑run drilling footage. The hybrid bit set the national deepest well depth usage record for hybrid bits at 9,253 m in China's first 10,000‑m well, Take‑1.
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Algerian complex formations: Full‑size drill bits from Sinopec Equipment have effectively broken through the technical bottlenecks of complex strata and contributed to oil and gas development in Algeria.
Why Choose Kingdream as Your Drill Bit Supplier?
1. National Manufacturing Champion — Award‑Winning Bit Technology
Kingdream has been honored as a National Manufacturing Single Item Champion Demonstration Enterprise for its roller cone bits — the highest recognition for Chinese manufacturing in the drill bit sector. The company's three‑stage cutting hybrid bit won the China Patent Excellence Award.
2. 40+ Years of Dedicated Drill Bit Manufacturing
Kingdream has been dedicated to drill bits and tools for over 40 years. This cumulative expertise spans multiple global geological basins, giving the company unique cross‑formation rock‑breaking insights that translate directly into bit performance.
3. API Spec 7‑2 and ISO 9001 Certified Across All Bit Types
All Kingdream drill bits comply with API Spec 7‑2 and are ISO 9001 certified, with full third‑party inspection available. Certifications also include GOST and CE.
4. Proven in the World’s Most Demanding Wells
From Kuwait oilfields (20%+ ROP improvement) to Tarim Basin ultra‑deep wells (9,253 m hybrid bit record), Kingdream bits are field‑proven in the most technically challenging drilling environments on Earth.
5. Vertically Integrated Manufacturing — Full Quality Control
Through SOFE's 16 production lines and 6,000 hp pump test center, Kingdream controls every stage of manufacturing — not assembling bits from third‑party components. This ensures consistent quality and complete traceability.
6. Global Reach — 40+ Countries, All Major Continents
SOFE has exported products to more than 40 countries and regions across North America, South America, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
7. Integrated Downhole Tool Solutions
Kingdream can now produce complete sets of downhole tool strings, including KD Force ultra‑high‑torque downhole motors and torque impactors. This allows the company to offer bit and BHA packages — not just individual bits.
8. Cost‑Competitive — 30–50% Lower than Premium 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 — without compromising quality. The company focuses on cost‑per‑foot, not sticker price.
9. "Four‑Ultra" Technology System Backbone
Sinopec Equipment's core "Four‑Ultra” technology system — encompassing ultra‑high pressure, ultra‑hard materials, ultra‑high control ability, and ultra‑high precision manufacturing — provides the technological backbone for continuous innovation in drill bits and tools.
10. Customer‑Oriented Technical Support
Kingdream and SOFE technical experts work alongside customers at drilling sites, conducting joint tests and bit selection. The company follows up on equipment R&D and application demand in key regions through technology seminars, presentations, and project discussions globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the IADC code, and why does it matter?
The IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) code is the global classification standard for roller cone bits. The three digits tell you: first digit = cutting structure/formation series (1‑3 steel tooth, 4‑8 TCI), second digit = formation hardness (1 soft … 8 extremely hard), third digit = bearing/seal/gage protection design (1 open bearing … 7 sealed with gage protection). The IADC code is the fastest way to match the right 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, hardfaced with tungsten carbide. These are lower‑cost bits for soft to medium formations (IADC 111–347). A TCI (tungsten carbide insert) bit has pressed‑to‑shape tungsten carbide inserts installed into the cones. TCI bits are more durable and are used in medium‑hard to extremely hard, abrasive formations (IADC 417–777). The IADC code tells you immediately which type you are dealing with.
Q3: What is the difference between PDC bits and roller cone bits?
PDC bits use synthetic diamond cutters that shear the 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 where neither PDC nor roller cone bits alone perform optimally.
Q4: 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.
Q5: What is the Kingdream three‑stage cutting hybrid bit?
Kingdream's patented three‑stage cutting toothed‑cone hybrid bit increases crushing stages from the conventional two levels to three levels, solving problems of insufficient formation biting, low ROP, cutting tooth wear, and short service life. It is widely applicable to drilling in complex formations such as interlayers, hard strata, and hard‑plastic beds. This technology won the China Patent Excellence Award.
Q6: What drill bit sizes does Kingdream manufacture?
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Tricone bits: 3 3/4″ to 26″ (95 mm – 660 mm)
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PDC bits: 3 3/4″ to 17 1/2″ (95 mm – 445 mm)
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Diamond bits: 3″ to 36″
Q7: What are the bearing seal options on Kingdream tricone bits?
Kingdream offers: Open roller/ball bearings (IADC ends in 1–2) — lowest cost, for soft formations; Sealed roller bearings with rubber O‑ring (IADC ends in 3–4) — longer life in moderate conditions; Sealed journal bearings with rubber O‑ring (IADC ends in 5) — high load capacity; Metal face seals (IADC ends in 6–7) — extreme durability for hardest, most abrasive, high‑temperature wells, with heat‑resistant grease rated up to 250°C.
Q8: What is the lead time for Kingdream drill bits?
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.
Q9: Does Kingdream offer custom bit design?
Yes. With three research institutes and a broad network of field engineers, Kingdream can design custom bits for your specific formation, well profile, and drilling parameters. Our R&D and marketing teams are integrated, continuously promoting combined design and supply of drill bits and drilling tools.
Q10: What is the maximum operating temperature for Kingdream bits?
Standard elastomer‑sealed bits are rated for 120°C. For high‑temperature and ultra‑deep well applications, Kingdream offers bits with metal face seals and advanced high‑temperature greases rated for continuous operation up to 250°C.
