The Disc Bit - A Tool for Hard-Rock Drilling

This paper discusses the evolution of a revolutionary design for drill bits, detailing its concept, laboratory developments, and the most recent field trials.

If you seek further information, please visit tungsten carbide tbm cutter blade.

Disc-bit technology is founded on the concept of the single-rolling disc cutter. This cutter was successfully utilized for rock drilling on a tunnel-boring machine in the early years. By the early 2000s, almost every rock-tunneling machine globally had transitioned from using picks, tungsten carbide button cones, or multi-row tapered cutters to the single-row disc. At that point, practical field experience indicated the superior efficiency of the tunneling machines. Additionally, the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) initiated scientific studies, publishing data that compared the specific energy consumption of various excavation tools based on full-scale laboratory tests. These studies convincingly revealed that the single-row disc cutter required significantly less energy than conventional cutters, such as those used in roller cones, to excavate the same volume of rock. Given that energy is a limited resource at the cutting face, this reduced energy requirement led to an enhanced rate of penetration (ROP).

It wasn't until the mid-1990s that the single-rolling disc cutter concept was adapted for use in drill bits. Very small, 3.188-inch Mini-Disc cutters were tested at CSM and were proven to be exceptionally efficient and robust enough for drill bits as small as 7 inches. An evaluation of an 8.5-inch disc bit was conducted at the Gas Research Institute (GRI) Catoosa Test Facility in Oklahoma. The U.S. GRI sponsored efforts to develop the concept through both laboratory and field testing. Additional field trials were funded by both private and government grants, including the latest test supported by a joint industry project (JIP) managed by Petrobras.

High Hardness Tungsten Carbide Tips for Tunnel Boring Machines

Product Application: Shield Tunneling Machines
Application Industry: Tunnel Engineering

Product Description:
A tunnel boring machine, commonly referred to as a shield tunneling machine, is specialized equipment designed for excavation in tunnels. This advanced machinery integrates optics, mechanics, electronics, hydraulics, sensors, and information technology, performing various tasks such as excavating and cutting soil, transporting excavated material, assembling tunnel linings, and measuring guidance adjustments. The design and manufacturing processes must be tailored to different geological conditions, ensuring high reliability. Tunnel boring machines are extensively utilized in projects, including subways, railways, highways, municipal infrastructures, and hydropower.

Functionality of the Tunnel Boring Machine Cutter Head:
The cutter head of a tunnel boring machine is the primary component responsible for excavation. It consists of a cutting disc with multiple feeding slots where tungsten carbide cutter heads are attached to cut through the soil. Typically, a set of cutter heads loads between 30-40 alloy cutter heads for maximum efficiency; the specific quantity depends on the operational requirements of the tunnel boring machinery. Depending on the soil's hardness, tools specifically designed for hard rock or soft soil can be selected. All types of alloy cutter tools are secured with bolts and can be replaced from the soil chamber behind the cutter head.

Advantages of Tungsten Carbide:
Tungsten carbide, often described as the "teeth" of the industry, is an outstanding choice for wear-resistant tools. Tungsten carbide cutter tools for tunnel boring excel in complex environments, particularly in underground excavation where the geological conditions may be unpredictable, such as during tunnel and subway construction. These tools are employed in high-powered equipment exerting significant thrust and shear forces. Therefore, the alloy must possess excellent impact toughness and wear resistance. The dimensions of this tungsten carbide shield cutter head are Ø18×16R5*30.

Company Profile

Zhuzhou Sanxin Cemented Carbide Manufacturing Co., Ltd specializes in the R&D, processing, selling, and after-market services of cemented carbide raw materials.

Sanxin is dedicated to providing tungsten carbide OEM services and improving solutions. The company has a specialized technical team that ensures a solid foundation and a competitive advantage in manufacturing high-quality tungsten carbide products.

Main Products:

1. Drill Bits and Cutting Tools:

Cemented carbide is widely utilized in drill bits and cutting tools for petroleum exploration and drilling, including rock drill bits and three-cone bits.

2. Oil Well Components:

Hard metal is essential for manufacturing components for oil wells, such as pump parts, valves, and seals, which demand high wear resistance.

3. Pipeline Cutting Tools:

In pipeline maintenance and repair in the petroleum sector, tungsten carbide is used to produce cutting tools for both cutting and repairing pipelines.

4. Oil Extraction Tools:

Tungsten steel alloy is applied in oil extraction tools, encompassing components for lifting pumps and submersible pumps.

5. Petroleum Pipeline Repair Tools:

Tungsten carbide is used in the production of tools for repairing and maintaining petroleum pipelines, ensuring durability and effectiveness.

6. Geological Exploration Tools:

In geological exploration, tungsten carbide is commonly used in the production of tools like core drill bits and drilling equipment designed to extract samples from underground rock formations.

Our Advantages:

Cemented carbide wear parts, also known as tungsten carbide (WC) parts, are frequently used in the high-end hardware machinery industry due to their exceptional hardness, good toughness, and outstanding wear resistance at high and low temperatures.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Carbide Round Bar.