Subtitle: What Shengli Tiangong achieved in the Bohai Bay and Mexico — and why custom PDC bits are the new industry standard.
As a PDC bit manufacturer, you know the drill: every formation is unique, every well comes with its own set of extreme challenges, and the difference between a mediocre run and a record-breaking performance often comes down to how well the bit is matched to the rock.
In recent months, Sinopec Shengli PDC Bit (Shengli Tiangong) delivered two remarkable drilling achievements that caught the industry’s attention — one in the ultra-hard metamorphic rocks of China’s Bohai Bay, and another in the competitive Poza Rica block of Mexico, where they broke a long-standing record held by Weatherford.
Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and what we — as PDC bit manufacturers — can learn from their success.
Case 1: Conquering the “Hardest Rock” in Bohai Bay
Location: BZ26-6 oilfield, Bohai Bay, China
Formation: Archean metamorphic buried hill (>4,500 m depth)
Challenge: Extremely hard, poor drillability, narrow operational window
The Archean metamorphic rock in this area is notorious among drillers. Its unconfined compressive strength is extremely high, and the formation is highly abrasive. Standard PDC bits often suffer from low rate of penetration (ROP) and short bit life, leading to multiple trips and skyrocketing costs.
Shengli Tiangong’s approach:
Instead of offering a standard off-the-shelf bit, the team applied a custom bit design strategy — “one well, one strategy; one section, one design.” They analyzed offset well data, rock mechanics, and drilling parameters, then tailored a high-performance PDC bit specifically for this interval. The bit was likely from their “Bofeng” series or a wear-resistant hybrid PDC design, optimized for impact resistance and thermal stability in inhomogeneous formations.
The result:
A stunning 520-meter single-run footage in the Archean buried hill section, setting a new regional record for the Bohai Bay area. This proved that even the hardest “deep-sea rock” can be economically drilled with the right PDC technology and a full-process fine-tuned operation — including 24/7 on-site engineering support and real-time parameter optimization.
Case 2: Breaking Weatherford’s Record in Mexico
Location: Poza Rica block, Mexico – Well Pozo MIAHUAPAN 3146
Challenge: Beating a long-standing ROP record held by Weatherford under tough geological conditions
In this Mexican block, the operator — DS company — issued a demanding request: increase ROP by 15% and extend bit life by 10% compared to offset runs. Several competitors hesitated, but Shengli Tiangong accepted the challenge based on their confidence in custom PDC technology.
What they did:
• Designed a custom 5-blade PDC bit optimized for the three distinct sections: soft shallow formation, middle mudstone, and horizontal reservoir.
• Applied a section-by-section drilling strategy with different parameter sets.
• Provided 24/7 on-site technical support with a mixed Chinese-local team, continuously adjusting weight on bit, RPM, and flow rate.
The result:
• Second section ROP: 40.24 m/h — breaking the previous record held by Weatherford.
• Third section ROP: 33.8 m/h — also a block record.
This success didn’t just earn Shengli Tiangong a performance award; it cemented their reputation in the Latin American market after 14 years of drilling over 200 wells with zero responsibility accidents.
What Can PDC Bit Manufacturers Learn from These Cases?
These two cases offer powerful lessons for any PDC bit manufacturer aiming to compete globally — not just on price, but on performance.
1. Customization is the only way forward
Generic PDC bits are no longer enough. Modern drilling demands formation-specific, tailor-made designs. Whether it’s a hybrid cutter layout, a unique blade profile, or special back-reaming capabilities, the ability to customize is what separates commodity bits from record-breakers.
2. Technology + on-site service = trust
Having a great bit in the lab is not enough. The winning formula includes 24/7 engineering support, real-time parameter tuning, and a collaborative relationship with the drilling team. Manufacturers who offer “bit + service” packages win more tenders.
3. International standards build global credibility
Shengli Tiangong operates under API quality standards from design to delivery. For any manufacturer looking to export, adopting recognized standards is the ticket to high-end markets.
4. Long-term relationships beat one-off sales
They spent 14 years earning trust in Mexico. That kind of track record — well after well — opens doors that no single sales pitch can.
Let’s Write Your Next Record — Together
At Drillbetter, we don’t just manufacture PDC drill bits. We engineer custom drilling solutions for your specific formation challenges. Whether you are drilling through abrasive quartzites in a coal mine, hard metamorphic rocks in a deep oilfield, or trying to break an ROP record in a mature basin — we are ready to collaborate.
✅ Custom PDC bit design for any formation
✅ API-compliant quality system
✅ On-site technical support available
✅ Proven performance in hard rock, directional drilling, and high-temperature wells
