DRILLING: Epiroc’s Epsilon2 bit boosts productivity

[caption id="attachment_1003733491" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Epsilon2 tricone bit Credit: Epiroc[/caption] SWEDEN – Epiroc has introduced a new Epsilon2 premium tricone drill bit which allows up to 100% more drilling in surface mining and construction environments before the bit needs to be discarded. Extensive field testing Thanks to smart patented features, Epsilon2 will greatly improve drilling productivity through an extended bit life and a faster rate of penetration (ROP). The new air bearing bit has been tested thoroughly in the field by selected customers in diverse operating conditions. The tests suggest that the average distances drilled are up to 60% longer before the bit needs to be discarded when compared to the previous Epsilon generation – peaking at over 100% in some cases. Bearing problem solved “Degrading of the bearings was long a common cause of bit failure, forcing customers to accept a slower ROP and a shorter service life than necessary. Either the bearings would corrode due to moisture from water injection for dust suppression, or overheat by friction,” Bahadir Ergener, product line manager rotary at Epiroc said in a release. Two patented Epiroc features have been combined to solve this problem: Tornado, which channels cooling air over the hotter load side of the bearing, and Torrent, which removes moisture from the cooling air and therefore reduces corrosion. Twice the distance drilled per bit “Epsilon2 outperforms other air bearing bits on reliability, and even challenges more costly sealed bearing bits. Users of sealed bits can now turn to Epsilon2 for comparable productivity at a lower cost,” added Allan Rainey, global research and development manager at Epiroc. Another aspect of extended bit life is that there will be fewer bits manufactured over time, which in turn reduces the outtake of raw material, transportation and the ecological footprint. “We believe customers will value a lower climate impact when selecting their next rotary drill bit,” concludes Rainey. Epiroc is a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries. The company develops and produces innovative drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and provides world-class service and consumables. For more information, visit www.Epiroc.com.