The Metal Seal -- State of the Art Rock Bit Technology for Geothermal Drilling Applications
- Key words
- Drilling; Equipment; Seals
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Drilling; Drill bits; Drill bit seals
- Language
- English
Abstract
The geothermal drilling industry has not gained the same benefit from advances in rock bit technology as other segments of the drilling industry. A major reason for this is little improvement in bearing seal life at elevated temperatures. However, a new metal to metal face seal for use in roller cone rock bits shows promise of removing this inequity. This new seal can operate longer at higher temperatures and higher rotary speeds with greater reliability than elastomer seals. The metal seal is described and field performance comparisons from elevated temperature drilling operation in various parts of the world are presented.
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