ABSTRACT
The main components of a rolling cone rock bit and, in consequence, design features are: the cones, the bearings and the bit body. In a steel tooth rolling cone bit, the tooth length is determined by the depth of the grooves or milling cut into the cones which form the inner and outer ends of the cone teeth. Modern rolling cone bits have jet nozzles that send the air through the cones straight to the blasthole bottom, thus requiring suitable flow and pressure from the compressors in order to clean the blasthole and cones as well. When choosing a rolling cone rock bit, the compressive strength of the rock and its hardness are the principal factors to take into consideration. Normally, the users send samples to the bit manufacturers for advice on the type of tricone bit necessary, the probable penetration rates and wear resistance in meters.
