What Does
Tricone Bit Mean?
A tricone bit is a mechanical drill bit located in the bottom hole assembly. The bit cuts away the surface of the rock being drilled through rotation and mechanical friction caused by the teeth of the bit. Tricone bits are designed to take the energy of the rotating drill string and the supply of mud and to apply this force to deepen the well.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Tricone Bit
Mill tooth tricone bits are used in soft rock formations. The protruding teeth are widely spaced to prevent getting clogged with material as they cut through the surface material. Tungsten carbide insert (TCI) tricone bits are used for medium and hard rock formations. These bits are designed with smaller teeth, which are more closely arranged together. Drill speeds are higher when the rock face is harder and TCI can withstand the heat generated from these conditions. Mud is pumped down the drill string and out through the tricone bit to keep the bit clean from cuttings and to move these cuttings back to the surface.