CARROLLTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE )--Varel International, the world’s largest independent supplier of drill bits for the oil, gas and mining industries, announces the launch of SlipStream™ RC Pro completion roller cone drill bits. Designed for the fast and effective drill out of frac plugs, SlipStream RC Pro incorporates a unique, hybrid cutting structure matched specifically to the distribution of high hardness, high abrasion, and elastic or plastic materials found in such plugs.

This industry first completion product utilizes an array of Varel International’s proprietary technologies, including:

Michael Reeves, president of Varel International Oil & Gas, described the SlipStream product family as a definitive enhancement to the company’s broad offering of products for completion and workover drilling, “Varel has long been known for building highly reliable workover and completions drilling bits. However, with SlipStream RC Pro we have created a novel solution to the specific challenges of frac plug drilling which will deliver enhanced performance and value to our customers.”

With this product offering the company has addressed the challenges of drilling through frac plugs which have multiple components of varying drillability. The combination of an outer cutting structure comprised of patented HET™ tungsten carbide inserts and a tightly spaced inner cutting structure with DuraClad™ mill tooth technology provides different drilling actions targeted specifically to the assorted materials within the frac plug.

Reeves continued, “This patent pending cutting structure has been mounted on the industry’s most advanced small diameter high speed bearing package and is complemented by chemically resistant compensation components. We at Varel are extremely pleased to offer our completion customers a product that delivers superior performance and durability in the often corrosive, chemical-laden frac plug drilling environment.”

In field tests, the new SlipStream RC Pro products have been drilling plugs up to 70% faster than typical all mill tooth or all insert cutting structures.

Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world’s largest independent supplier in the global oil & gas drill bit market. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Varel services oil & gas, mining, and industrial markets with its comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company employs more than 1,300 people and has manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico; Tarbes, France and Kurgan, Russia, as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel’s proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customer base. For more information, visit www.varelintl.com.

Varel International Brandi Sherman, +1.281.670.2413 Marketing Manager bsherman@varelintl.com

Varel International Introduces SlipStream™ RC Pro Completion Drill Bits. The bits incorporate a unique, hybrid cutting structure matched to the varying materials encountered when drilling frac plugs.

Varel International Brandi Sherman, +1.281.670.2413 Marketing Manager bsherman@varelintl.com