Varel International Introduces Raider Series and Target Technology

CARROLLTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Varel International, the world’s largest independent supplier of drill bits for the oil, gas and mining industries, announces the commercial launch of the new Raider™ series PDC drill bits. The company, which is the leading provider of bits to the global mining and industrial market, also announces the launch of Target™ technology for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) applications.

“The cone has been toughened, and the nose and shoulder strengthened resulting in an inherently more balanced design capable of withstanding the demands of transitional drilling.”

The company has a history of market spanning technology and is dedicated to providing solutions in both the oil and gas and mining and industrial markets.

Raider Series Drill Bits

The new Raider series PDC bits are purpose-built for drilling to Total Depth through the interbedded soft and hard formations of transition zones. By incorporating design refinements that create a new, more balanced profile with greater stability, the series provides a solution to overcome the ROP and durability challenges associated with these applications.

Cary Maurstad, PDC product manager, described how the cutting structure improvements create a more efficient product, “While back rake was the primary mode of balancing the bit in the past, we’ve taken the latest bit designs and started with an aggressive cone. Then progress to the nose, shoulder, and a more tapered gage.”

Eastern Hemisphere Product Manager Bruno Cuillier adds, “The cone has been toughened, and the nose and shoulder strengthened resulting in an inherently more balanced design capable of withstanding the demands of transitional drilling.”

Target™ HDD Technologies

The Varel mining team has recently introduced their Target HDD technology, which encompasses a new array of roller cone technology for use in trenchless and HDD applications. The technology includes a series of roller cone drill bits equipped with a patents pending shirttail enhancement, EdgeGuard™ technology, as well as the Full Coverage (FC) cutters for use on hole openers and reamers in HDD operations.

Varel Vice President of Mining Operations Speed Collingsworth says the product fills an important gap in the HDD marketplace.

“We saw an area of need in the emerging HDD market and set about putting forth our best technology to provide a solution. From drill bits for river crossings and construction to complete coverage cutting elements to expand existing pilot holes in these operations, we wanted to put the very best out to our customers and I believe we’ve achieved that goal,” said Collingsworth.

The drill bits, available in both open bearing and sealed bearing configurations, are equipped with patented High Energy Tumbled (HET) inserts and the aforementioned EdgeGuard shirttail protection, which directly addresses the critical wear area in HDD applications, significantly increasing bit life and driving down the cost of HDD applications.

The series’ FC cutters are sealed bearing and compensated components with advanced cutting structures for outstanding performance in hole opener and reamer applications. All FC cutters carry Varel’s patented high performance High Energy® seal technology and are set with HET inserts. They also incorporate innovative, patent pending Labyrinth seal ring protection for extended life.

Varel’s Target HDD Technology products will be featured at the upcoming Underground Construction Technology exhibition and conference in Houston, Texas, January 29-31.

About Varel International

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 and Tarbes, France, 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.