| Title | Field Test Results of Improved Geothermal Roller Cone Bits |
|---|---|
| Authors | Maish, Alexander B. |
| Year | 1979 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Drilling; Drill Bit; Field Test; USA; California; Geysers; Roller Cove; Hard Rocks; High Temperature; Bit Life; Gage Wear; Materials; Hearing Life; Unsealed Bearings; Reamings; Graywacki; Airdrilling; US DOE; Sandia; Terra Tek; Reed Tool Company |
| Abstract | The third generation geothermal tricone bit under development by Sandia Laboratories and Terra Tek was field tested at the Geysers geothermal area in California. Data taken during the tests were analyzed to determine the performance of the research bit as compared with the performance of a preferred tricone bit currently in use. An analysis of the bit gage wear, which is a major factor in bit life in this hard rock area, determined that the research bit had a 30 percent increase in gage life compared with the conventional roller cone bit. Improvements in bearing and insert life were also measured. The optimal drilling run duration was determined for this formation as a function of reaming time and drilling time. |