Varel International, the leading independent manufacturer of drill bits and global supplier to the drilling industry, recently completed a massive 1.18 m steel-toothed roller cone bit for the oil and gas industry. The bit, which weighs in at more than 2.7 t and is more than 22% larger in diameter than any previous roller cone bit, was requested specifically by Saudi Aramco, an integrated global petroleum company in the Middle East. This bit features an advanced cutting structure with optimised row placement, tooth spacing and cutter geometry for increased drilling efficiency. These attributes also work to minimise tooth wear and prevent cutter tracking in a wide variety of formations and conditions. David Harrington, Vice President of Varel’s roller cone technology group, explained how the ultra-large diameter bit will work to create efficiencies in current field operations by offering a single bit solution to top-hole drilling which previously involved drilling a pilot hole and then re-drilling with a hole opening assembly. “Drilling with this large diameter bit in the top-hole section is a more efficient solution. The bit saves the operator time and money through a reduction of tripping to change bits and the need for hole enlargement tools,” said Harrington. He concluded, “The inaugural run of this innovative product is scheduled for the first quarter of 2011.”