BICO Drilling Tools’ reputation is built on performance, industry experience, and top-notch customer service
BICO Drilling Tools (BICO) designs and manufactures standard and customized equipment. Its industry-leading, high-performance drilling motors are used across the oil and gas industry, as President, Troy Hill, explains: “BICO Drilling Tools began as a utility boring company, then in the 1990s it transitioned to an oil field service company when it became apparent that our motors, which were being used for underground utility boring, could also be useful for directional drilling in the oil field.
“Initially we started out with through-tubing and then progressed to open-hole drilling motors, which are our most prevalent products today. We’re a downhole tool
provider operating in the US from five different facilities. Houston is our headquarters, but we also have facilities with a full scope of services in Casper, Wyoming as well as Oklahoma City, and Lafayette, Louisiana as well as a warehouse and shipping facility in Midland, Texas. Globally, we’re a full-service company in Nisku, Alberta in Canada as well as Dubai in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“BICO provides a full range of equipment and services to the oil and gas sector, as well as for geothermal drilling applications. Our market-leading positive displacement drilling motors are our largest offering, but we also provide friction reduction tools, through-tubing drilling motors, non-magnetic drilling collars, drilling jars, and pressure bypass tools; we provide all these to our customers worldwide.”
Troy then explains how innovative equipment like the BICOPLUS Smart Motor makes the difference for its customers: “It’s a market-first drilling dynamic sensor built right into the mud motor’s drive line, located about 12 inches from the drilling bit itself. It measures shock and vibration, rotations per minute (RPM), stick-slip, and temperature. These are very important data points while drilling. Shock and vibration indicate whether the bottom hole assembly (BHA) is being subjected to harsh environments, and RPM tells you the true bit speed. Today, we measure this data from two different points: one at the rig, sometimes over 20,000 feet away from the motor. What is happening at one end doesn’t necessarily reflect what is occurring at the other. The metal itself expands and contracts and has a spring effect where it twists and torques in the hole. As an operator, you need to know the drilling dynamics at the bit, where the BHA meets the rock formation. This sensor sits right there and provides valuable drilling data.
“The data improves drilling, reduces downhole failures, and tailors drilling practices to maximize rate of penetration (ROP). This also allows users to reduce downhole failures and equipment damage by avoiding unfavorable BHA conditions they might otherwise miss. The sensor’s data is easily downloaded on-site to any device because it’s first uploaded to the cloud through our proprietary software.”
BICO also has two other new product offerings rolled out this year. The first is BICOROCKET, a brand-new power section developed in response to increased demands like deeper wells, longer laterals, faster drilling, and harsher downhole conditions. This motor is simply the best in its class.
“The second development is our all-new titanium flex shaft motor,” Troy elaborates, “designed specifically for the demanding curved lateral market in West Texas. This motor is offered in a 6 5/8 size, designed for 7 7/8-hole sections. It’s built to deliver single-run performance for curves and laterals in the Permian. Durability, reliability, and performance are the key attributes of all our new products.”
Troy then outlines how the company is approaching sustainability concerns: “Addressing sustainability is critically important; you must align with increasing regulatory oversight and public expectations. Beyond meeting those expectations, it is also crucial to future-proof your business. We’re uniquely positioned to influence clients and take cues from others on future directions.
“There are many ways we do this, from partnering with vendors sharing our ESG standards to finding more environmentally friendly operating methods. Lowering facility energy demands is one way. The roof of our Houston headquarters, for example, is covered in solar panels feeding power back to the local grid. BICO also has considerable experience drilling for geothermal applications; we’re currently participating in two of the country’s largest geothermal projects.”
Concluding, Troy reflects on the company’s market position: “Our longevity speaks to our product performance and client loyalty, which is very important to us. With a reputation built on performance, industry experience, and top-notch customer service, we’re happy to be market leaders.
“Despite our experience, we strive daily to improve our practices and product solutions. As President, my continual focus is ensuring BICO Drilling Tools remains essential to oil and gas operators who look forward to doing business with us for the value and performance we deliver.”