New generation rotary drill bits: Klaw bit performance analysis and compared with tricone bit

Abstract

In open pit mining, drilling of blasting holes is a long and costly process. Selection of optimum bit for a formation is the most important parameter in rapid and economic drilling process. Although theoretical and experimental studies are common, the best way of choosing the most appropriate rock bit for a region is the usage of the bits directly on the machines. The aim of this study is to determine and compare performance of classical tricone bit and klaw which is new product in rotary drilling. For this reason, drilling speeds of both bits were measured in four benches having different geological properties in an open pit lignite mine that belongs to Demir Export. As comparing drilling speed of bits, klaw bit is 2, 8 times rapid than tricone bit in hard formation and between 1, 5 and 2, 5 times rapid in soft formation. Furthermore, replaceable teeth of klaw bit has advantage of continuing long time drilling without changing main body of it. Having longer life and higher drilling speed prove that klaw bits are important alternative bit for rotary drilling on economic aspect.