Varel International Announces Introduction of Voyager™ Series PDC Bits for Directional Drilling

CARROLLTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Varel International has taken PDC drill bit technology to a new level with the introduction of Voyager series bits. The Voyager series platform is the result of extensive research and development into drill bit dynamics control, vibration mitigation, and directional response. Varel’s research has driven a new approach to cutting structure placement and torque management resulting in enhanced dynamic stability and directional control.

“Field testing with Voyager has demonstrated the ability of these products to achieve programmed build rates and hold steady in lateral sections coming out of the curve. The Voyager series responds smoothly to directional inputs and to rock transitions over the course of the well path.”

These developments have been coupled with enhancements to the company’s proprietary SPOT™ design program and Geoscience rock analytics to custom fit specific bit attributes to customer applications.

Bruno Cuillier, Product Manager for Varel Eastern Hemisphere Operations, observes, “Over the course of several months Varel lab tested more than 70 gauge configurations to ultimately derive three specific bit gauge configurations and build a gauge behavior numerical model for use with these new products. These alternative gauges, when coupled with custom cutting structures make specific Voyager bits compatible with all available directional drive systems. With Voyager we can match the bit to the rock, the programmed well path, and the directional system to produce fast, clean, predictable drilling to the target.”

Cary Maurstad, Product Manager for the Western Hemisphere, adds, “Field testing with Voyager has demonstrated the ability of these products to achieve programmed build rates and hold steady in lateral sections coming out of the curve. The Voyager series responds smoothly to directional inputs and to rock transitions over the course of the well path.”

Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world’s largest independent supplier in the global oil & gas drill bit market. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Varel services oil & gas, mining, and industrial markets with its comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company employs more than 1,000 people and has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico; Tarbes, France, and Kurgan, Russia as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel’s proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customer base. For more information, visit www.varelintl.com.