Cone bits are designed to fracture rock using bit rotation and percussion. This allows drilling wells in search of oil, gas or other resources, as well as for exploration and development drilling operations.
Removal of rock materials (cuttings):
During operation, the bit fractures rock, and drilling mud or fluid is used to flush the fractured materials (cuttings) out of the well, preventing them from flowing back into the work zone and maintaining normal mud circulation.
Ensuring well stability:
Used for drilling, the cone bit helps to form a smooth and stable borehole wall, which is important for further pipe installation and other operations.
Working principle of roller cone bits:
Roller cones (rollers):
A roller cone bit is equipped with rollers (or cones) that rotate on the bit axis and are used to fracture rock. These cones may be equipped with carbide inserts that increase their wear resistance.
Breaking and loosening:
When the bit rotates, its cones, through friction and impact forces, fracture the rock by loosening it. The rock broken into smaller particles is washed out by drilling mud or other working fluid, which prevents clogging and maintains circulation.
Shape and design:
Roller cone bits can come in a variety of designs, such as three-cone bits (with three rollers) or bits with carbide inserts, depending on the required characteristics for drilling a particular rock type.
Advantages of using roller cone bits:
High wear resistance: Carbide materials and durable bits allow the bit to work in difficult conditions, drill hard rock and remain effective for a long time.
Versatility: The roller cone bits can be used to drill in a variety of rock types (soft, medium, hard), making them suitable for a wide range of applications in the oil and gas industry.
High-load efficiency: Due to the design and operating principle, roller cone bits are able to drill efficiently under high load conditions and difficult geologic conditions.
Maintaining well stability: The bit helps maintain the desired shape of the well, which is important for casing installation and other operations.