Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Tri-cone drill bits with metal-sealed bearing structure are broadly used in very tough or complicated formations. Compared with rubber-sealed structure, a metal-sealed tricone bit bears heavier W.O.B. and survives longer in different conditions. On the other hand, better performance means higher price. Metal-sealed tri-cone drill bits are generally 30% more expensive than rubber-sealed ones. This is an approximate price gap, which really depends on factories and drill bit size.
For more info about the optimization of metal-seal structure, click here to check the thesis on metal-sealed tricone bit performance.
Rotate the roller cone to identify metal-sealed or rubber-sealed drill bit
Rotate the cones. Then, observe the rotation.
- Metal Seals:
- The rotation is smooth, which is typical for a metal-sealed tricone bit.
- The resistance is low.
- The sound is crisp.
- Thus, rotation lasts longer.
- Rubber Seals:
- The rotation may be sluggish.
- The resistance is higher.
- The sound is dull.
- Also, there might be noise.
