637 Model: The 637 model is designed for rocks with a hardness above 100 MPa. Despite its shorter teeth and lower cost, it shows a slower penetration rate, causing significant wear on the teeth without substantial progress. This inefficiency makes it less suitable for high-hardness rocks where faster drilling is essential.
617 Model: For rocks with hardness above 70 MPa, the 617 model is a suitable option. It strikes a balance between cost and efficiency, though it may still experience similar challenges as the 637 model when it comes to harder rocks.
537 Model: The 537 model excels in all rocks below 70 MPa. Its longer teeth enable higher penetration rates and faster rock destruction. Despite its higher weight and cost, the efficiency gains can offset these drawbacks, especially in medium-hardness rocks.
517 Model: The 517 model is tailored for rocks below 30 MPa. Like the 537, it features longer teeth, making it highly efficient for softer rocks. Its higher initial cost is justified by the reduced drilling time and enhanced bit lifespan.
Material Considerations
Tungsten-Cobalt Carbide Teeth:
Teeth made from tungsten-cobalt carbide are not effective in achieving significant rock destruction due to their rapid wear. Manufacturers often recommend the 637 model with these teeth, but it remains inefficient, particularly for softer rocks where efficiency can be reduced by about 50%.
Comparative Efficiency:
When comparing different models, the penetration rate and teeth length play crucial roles in determining overall efficiency. For instance, the 537 and 517 models, with their longer teeth, offer better performance despite their higher costs and weights.
Recommending the Right Teeth
Assessing Rock Hardness:
It’s essential to confirm the rock hardness before selecting the drilling bit. This can be done using a mud motor for directional drilling. For example:
- In 40 MPa rock, a 537 tooth bit can drill a 3-meter rod in 20-25 minutes.
- A 637 tooth bit in the same rock takes over 35 minutes.
- For reamers, a 508 reamer with 537 teeth takes about 30 minutes, while using 637 teeth takes over 45 minutes.
This additional time not only affects operational efficiency but also impacts the lifespan of bearings and seals.
Customer Recommendations:
Customers should consider ordering both 637 and 537 teeth to address different rock hardness requirements effectively. This dual approach ensures that drilling operations remain efficient regardless of varying rock conditions.
Enhancing Drilling Performance
Roundness Accuracy:
Our reamers are designed with precise roundness accuracy. The center distance of each tooth’s palm back from the spindle is less than 0.2mm, and the palm back is perpendicular to the spindle within 0.05 degrees. This precision significantly enhances the lifespan of the tricone bit, ensuring consistent performance.
Stabilizers:
Reamers with a diameter of 12 inches or more come equipped with stabilizers. These stabilizers ensure the rock stays centered during operation, increasing drilling efficiency and reducing the wear on the bit.
Cost Considerations
Operational Costs:
The efficiency of the drilling bit directly impacts operational costs. For example, in a city, driving a four-wheel-drive SUV costs significantly more fuel than a regular front-wheel-drive car. Similarly, using the appropriate drilling bit for the rock hardness can save considerable costs in the long run.
Lifespan of Bearings and Seals:
Choosing the right bit also extends the lifespan of bearings and seals, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. The right balance between bit cost and operational efficiency is crucial for cost-effective drilling operations.
Conclusion
Selecting the right drilling bit is essential for efficient and cost-effective rock destruction. By understanding the strengths and limitations of different models like the 637, 617, 537, and 517, and considering the material and precision factors, customers can optimize their drilling operations. Investing in the right bit not only enhances efficiency but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.
