Description
6″ (152.4mm) IADC 417G TCI Tricone Bit — Model TCI – 6 LS417G
High-ROP Tungsten Carbide Insert Bit for Soft Formations, Deep Drilling & Downhole Motor Operations
Cutter Type: TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert)
Size: 6 in / 152.4 mm
Bearing: Journal Bearing
Connection: 3 1/2″ API REG Pin
Key Performance Advantages for Field Engineers & Rig Managers:
- Premium TCI Cutting Structure: Engineered with 77 high-grade tungsten carbide inserts (41 gage inserts) and a 4.8 cone offset to maximize shearing and gouging efficiency in soft rock formations.
- Severe Condition Endurance: Sealed journal bearing system paired with “G” gauge protection ensures structural stability under high temperatures, deep well pressure, and downhole motor conditions.
- Minimized Cost Per Foot (CPF): High wear resistance of TCI teeth prevents early gage breakdown and cutter breakage, extending bit life and reducing costly tripping operations.
Product Overview & Technical Description
The TCI – 6 LS417G is a premium 6-inch (152.4mm) Tungsten Carbide Insert (TCI) tricone drill bit engineered for soft formations featuring low crushing resistance and high drillability (such as sandstones, clays, shales, and soft limestones).
Classified under IADC 417G, this bit combines the extreme wear resistance of tungsten carbide teeth with a heavy-duty Journal Bearing system. Designed with a 4.8 cone offset angle and a 33° journal angle, the TCI – 6 LS417G delivers exceptional gouging-scraping action for faster Rate of Penetration (ROP). With a total of 77 carbide inserts across 3 gage rows and 6 inner rows, plus “G” grade heel/gauge reinforcement, this bit maintains exceptional hole tolerance during rotary and downhole motor drilling.
Technical Specifications — TCI – 6 LS417G
| Parameter | Specification Value | Engineering Context / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Model | TCI – 6 LS417G | Manufacturer Model Designation |
| Nominal Size (Inches) | 6″ | Standard Hole Size |
| Nominal Size (Metric) | 152.4 mm | Metric Size Equivalent |
| IADC Code | 417 | Tungsten Carbide Insert (TCI) Bit for Soft Formations |
| Additional Features | G | Enhanced Heel & Gauge Protection (Extra Carbide Hardfacing) |
| Target Formation | Soft Formations | Low Crushing Resistance & High Drillability (Shale, Clay, Soft Lime) |
| Drilling Applications | Rotary, High-Temp, Deep Well, Motor Drilling | Compatible with high-speed turbine/downhole motor & rotary rigs |
| Bearing Type | Journal Bearing | High-load capacity, temperature-resistant sealed journal sleeve bearing |
| Total Teeth Count | 77 | Precision-placed tungsten carbide inserts for optimized cutting |
| Gage Row Teeth Count | 41 | Durable gage inserts ensuring full hole gauge longevity |
| Number of Gage Rows | 3 | Dedicated outer wall protection rows |
| Number of Inner Rows | 6 | Dense intermeshing profile for complete bottom-hole coverage |
| Journal Angle | 33° | Balanced journal angle for optimal cone alignment |
| Cone Offset | 4.8 | Aggressive offset providing tearing & scraping cutting force |
| API Connection | 3 1/2″ REG Pin | Standard API Thread Specification |
| Weight on Bit (WOB) | 53 – 137 KN | Recommended operational weight on bit envelope |
| Rotary Speed (RPM) | 60 – 300 RPM | Broad speed envelope for Rotary and Downhole Motor Drilling |
| Recommended Upper Torque | 9.5 – 12.2 KN.m | Recommended makeup and dynamic torque rating |
Field Pain Points Solved by TCI – 6 LS417G
1. Pain Point: Rapid Tooth Wear in Abrasive Soft-to-Medium Formations
Solution: Upgraded from steel tooth to Tungsten Carbide Inserts (TCI) with 77 carbide Compacts, preventing early tooth erosion and maintaining high ROP throughout long runs.
2. Pain Point: Gauge Wear & Undergage Hole Issues
Solution: Equipped with 41 gage row teeth across 3 gage rows and “G” grade protection, ensuring the bit maintains exact 152.4mm hole clearance and prevents casing reaming bottlenecks.
3. Pain Point: Bearing Burnout During Deep High-Temperature Motor Runs
Solution: High-precision journal bearing system with premium seals withstands high friction heat and mud pressure at 300 RPM motor speeds, reducing premature bit destruction.
4. Pain Point: Frequent Tripping Operations Increasing Drilling Costs
Solution: Optimized 4.8 cone offset combines aggressive shear action with durable TCI metallurgy, maximizing footage per bit run and dramatically lowering Cost Per Foot (CPF).
Recommended Drilling Parameters & Field Operation Guide
To maximize operational lifespan and penetration rates for the TCI – 6 LS417G, adhere to these technical field guidelines:
- Rotary Speed (RPM): Operates smoothly within 60 to 300 RPM. Use higher speeds with downhole PDM motors in uniform soft formations, and lower speeds with higher WOB in tougher interbedded layers.
- Weight on Bit (WOB): Apply gradually within 53 KN to 137 KN. Avoid sudden shock loading when tagging bottom to preserve carbide compacts and journal seals.
- Hydraulics & Mud Flow: Maintain adequate fluid velocity through nozzles to clear cuttings away from the 6 inner rows, preventing bit balling in sticky shale.
- Make-up Torque: Tighten pin thread to 9.5 to 12.2 KN.m using certified API thread compound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
