ION+ 4DX PDC Cutter Technology

Our patented, 4DX shaped cutter is built upon on our ION+ PDC cutter technology platform and is the fastest and most efficient geometry developed by ReedHycalog, backed by proven, record-breaking field performances. 

ION+ 4DX shaped cutters
ION+™ 4DX application-specific shaped cutters have been developed to further improve drilling efficiencies and reduce torque while increasing rate of penetration (ROP). The unique 4DX shaped cutter has a multi-faceted geometry to bring about effective cutter-rock interaction. The three-dimensional surface geometry on the PDC face helps facilitate a plough effect on to the formation and effectively fracture in the shearing direction. In addition, the shaped geometry has proven to bring about smaller cuttings and thus reduce cutter drag and bit torque for efficient drilling.

Plough effect

• Increases point loading and stress concentration, while reducing the force needed to fail most formations and improve fracture propagation.
• Reduces drag by minimizing surface contact with the formation, while allowing cuttings to be efficiently moved away from the cutter face.
• Decreases cuttings size by creating a flow channel that allows drilling fluid to undermine adhesion between cuttings ribbons and the cutter. This action separates and breaks the cuttings into smaller pieces for more efficient removal from the cutter and bit face.

ION+ 4DXC hybrid shaped cutters
ION+ 4DXC shape couples 4DX technology with proven 3D (chisel) technology. ION+ 3D chisel cutting-edge profile produces point loading in the axial (WOB) direction, improving fracture propagation and further lowering mechanical specific energy (MSE) through torque reduction while achieving much higher ROP.

ION+ 4DX and ION+ 4DXC application-specific shaped cutter family

• Decreases mechanical specific energy through torque reduction
• Increases ROP
• Improves drilling economics/reduces cost per foot
• Built upon ION+ PDC cutter technology
• Refined diamond feed
• Manufactured using higher pressures
• Three-dimensional surface geometries for improved rock formation fracturing and removal
• Thicker diamond tables
• Enhanced thermal stability