Drilling EngineeringDrilling Operations and Economics
Rock Removal Rate from Bit Diameter and ROP Formula
Rock Removal Rate from Bit Diameter and ROP calculates bulk rock removal rate for drilling operations and economics workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (d_b, R) are known and the assumptions behind the cited drilling operations and economics relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, q_r equals 0.328409 ft^3/min.
d_bin
8.5
Rft/h
50
Inputs
d_b
inBit diameter
R
ft/hPenetration rate
Outputs
q_r
ft^3/min
Bulk rock removal rate
d_b
in
Bit diameter
R
ft/h
Penetration rate
Source and review
reviewedAdvanced Well Control, Watson, D., Brittenham, T., Moore, P.L. (2003)
Watson, D., Brittenham, T., and Moore, P.L. 2003. Advanced Well Control, Vol. 10, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Page 19.
source conflict
Source