In large drilling projects, drilling stabilizers are essential tools that are utilized in the drill pipe string to stabilize the drilling direction and prevent borehole deviation in the drilling process. Mounted in the bottom hole assembly (BHA), drilling stabilizers can also be used for reaming operation and improving the quality of the hole. There are several types of drilling stabilizers available: integral blade (spiral or straight) stabilizers, sleeve stabilizers, welded blades (spiral or straight) stabilizers, interchangeable stabilizers, and roller reamer stabilizers. Usually, blades are hardfaced for extended service life. Scroll down to explore the detailed information about drilling stabilizer types and their applications.

1. Integral blade stabilizers

Integral blade stabilizers are manufactured from one-piece steel. Thanks to this feature, this type of drilling stabilizer is extremely stable, durable, tough, and best for working in the most abrasive and demanding conditions. Usually, an integral blade stabilizer is equipped with three to five blades. Two types of integral blade stabilizers are available according to where they are installed: near-bit or downhole stabilizers and string stabilizers. The former type is installed next to the drill bit and used to prevent sidetracking of the packed hole assembly. Both ends have box connections. The latter type has different connection types at each end: box connection at the upper end, and pin connection at the lower end. Its external diameter is usually 5mm to 10mm smaller than that of the drill bit. The spring stabilizers can be used in both packed hole assembly and pendulum assembly.

2. Sleeve stabilizers

As the name shows, sleeve stabilizers are equipped with replaceable sleeves and mandrels, allowing for applications in various hole dimensions. This type of drilling stabilizer is quite economical and suitable for remote areas where no repair facilities are around. When sleeves wear out, operators can replace them directly.

3. Welded blade stabilizers

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Welded blade stabilizers usually contain three to five blades. They are best for drilling large water wells instead of oil wells for less chance of losing blades.

4. Interchangeable blade stabilizers

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Interchangeable blade stabilizers are extremely flexible thanks to replaceable blades. When these blades are damaged or worn out, just replace them instead of changing the whole stabilizer. Employing this type of drilling stabilizer in the drilling project is cost-effective and results in quality and consistent drilling performance.

5. Roller reamer stabilizers

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Roller reamer stabilizers or roller reamers are mainly designed to enlarge boreholes by rotating of their rolling cutters during the drilling operation. Working with a worn drill bit that is under-gauged, a roller reamer ensures the size of the borehole is the same as the original size of the drill bit. It is also helpful when working with a brand-new drill bit in preventing distortions. Besides, a roller reamer is also regarded as a stabilizer since it stabilizes and centralizes the drill stem during drilling operations. Three-point and six-point roller reamer stabilizers are available on the market.

6. Fixed blade stabilizers

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Fixed blade stabilizers, also called non-rotating stabilizers, contain fixed, tough blades that are designed to avoid rotation and minimize vibrations during operation. This type of stabilizer is recommended to be utilized in sensitive formations.

Stabilizer hardfacing consumables

Several types of hardfacing consumables are ideal for applying on stabilizers, including tungsten carbide inserts, crushed carbide grits, hardfacing rods & wires & electrodes, hardfacing powders, and PCD particles. KoneCarbide provides a wide range of hardfacing consumables for your stabilizers to improve wear resistance and extend lifespan. Contact us to request a quote today! Our salespeople are ready to offer the best hardfacing solution for your project.