Tricone drill bit
Technical Specifications – Tricone Drill Bit Range
The tables below present key specifications for our standard tricone drill bit range. API Spec 7-1 certification applies across all products.
Steel Tooth (Milled Tooth) Tricone Bits
| Bit Diameter (in/mm) | IADC Code | Formation Description | Recommended WOB (KN/mm) | Recommended RPM | Bearing Type | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 1/2" (114.3) | 217 | Medium‑high compressive strength (shale, anhydrite, medium limestone, sandstone) | 0.4 – 1.0 | 100 – 60 | Sealed roller | 2 7/8" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 116 | Soft formations: clay, mudstone, chalk, low compressive strength | 0.35 – 0.8 | 150 – 80 | Open bearing | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 126 | Soft formations (alternative IADC code) | 0.35 – 0.85 | 150 – 80 | Rubber‑sealed | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 136 | Medium‑soft formations with abrasive interbeds | 0.35 – 1.0 | 120 – 60 | Metal‑sealed | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 9 7/8" (250.8) | 216 | Medium‑hard: compacted shales, hard limestones, dolomite | 0.4 – 1.0 | 100 – 60 | Sealed journal | 6 5/8" API REG |
| 17 1/2" (444.5) | 117 | Very soft, unconsolidated surface sections | 0.3 – 0.7 | 120 – 80 | Open bearing | 7 5/8" API REG |
TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert) Tricone Bits
| Bit Diameter (in/mm) | IADC Code | Formation Description | Recommended WOB (KN/mm) | Recommended RPM | Insert Type | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6" (152.4) | 417 | Soft formations with low compressive strength (clay, mudstone, chalk) | 0.35 – 0.9 | 240 – 70 | Chisel | 3 1/2" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 517 | Medium‑medium hard formations; fast ROP with durable cutting structure | 0.4 – 1.0 | 100 – 60 | Chisel/conical mix | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 537 | Medium‑hard, interbedded formations | 0.4 – 1.0 | 100 – 50 | Conical | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 8 1/2" (215.9) | 637 | Hard, abrasive formations (hard limestone, dolomite, granite) | 0.5 – 1.2 | 80 – 40 | Round / ballistic | 4 1/2" API REG |
| 12 1/4" (311.15) | 737 | Very hard, extremely abrasive formations | 0.5 – 1.3 | 70 – 35 | Round | 6 5/8" API REG |
| 17 1/2" (444.5) | 837 | Ultra‑hard, highly abrasive formations with high compressive strength | 0.6 – 1.5 | 60 – 30 | Round / ballistic | 7 5/8" API REG |
Formation‑Based Selection Guide – Choosing the Right IADC Code
Use this tricone drill bit selection matrix to match IADC codes to your specific lithology:
| Formation Type | Example Rocks | IADC Code Range | Bit Type | Recommended Tooth/Insert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very soft / unconsolidated | Clay, mud, fine sand, recent sediments | 1‑1‑1 to 1‑2‑1 | Steel tooth | Long, widely spaced teeth |
| Soft | Claystone, soft shale, chalk, coarse sand, gravel | 1‑3‑1 to 1‑4‑1 | Steel tooth | Medium‑long teeth |
| Soft to medium | Sandstone, medium shale, anhydrite, soft limestone | 2‑1‑1 to 2‑2‑1 | Steel tooth | Medium teeth |
| Medium | Medium sandstone, sandy limestone, hard claystone | 3‑1‑1 to 3‑2‑1 | Steel tooth | Short, compact teeth |
| Medium to medium‑hard | Hard shale, medium limestone, dolomite, hard sandstone | 4‑1‑3 to 4‑3‑3 | TCI | Chisel or conical inserts |
| Medium‑hard | Compacted shale, hard limestone, moderately abrasive sandstone | 5‑1‑3 to 5‑3‑3 | TCI | Conical or ballistic inserts |
| Hard | Dolomite, hard limestone, quartzite, taconite, hard sand | 6‑1‑3 to 6‑3‑3 | TCI | Round or ballistic inserts |
| Very hard / extremely abrasive | Granite, basalt, chert, pyritic formations, other igneous/metamorphic rocks | 7‑1‑3 to 8‑3‑3 | TCI | Dense, closely spaced round inserts |
Product Types – Complete Tricone Drill Bit Portfolio
We manufacture and supply tricone bits in the following product families:
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Steel Tooth (Milled Tooth) Tricone Bits – IADC 1‑1‑1 to 3‑4‑7 – For soft, low‑compressive‑strength formations. Aggressive cutting structure for maximum ROP in top-hole sections.
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TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert) Tricone Bits – IADC 4‑1‑3 to 8‑3‑7 – For medium to extremely hard formations. Premium tungsten carbide inserts pressed into the cone body for superior wear resistance.
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Sealed Journal Bearing Bits – For extended runs in deep and hard formations. High load‑carrying capacity and superior thermal management.
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Metal‑Sealed Bits for HP/HT – Metal face seals rated above 250°C for deep, hot wells.
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High‑Speed Tricone Bits – Optimized for high‑RPM motor and top‑drive applications.
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Open Bearing Bits (Water Well & Mining) – Economical design for shallow applications where circulation fluid does not need to be recovered.
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Air‑Cooled Tricone Bits – For air drilling, quarrying, and mining operations where drilling fluid is not used.
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Gauge‑Protected Bits – Extra tungsten carbide hardfacing on gauge‑row teeth to maintain hole diameter in abrasive formations.
Applications – Where Our Tricone Drill Bits Excel
Our tricone drill bits have been deployed across the full spectrum of drilling operations:
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Oil & gas exploration and development wells – Onshore and offshore, from top‑hole to intermediate sections where tricone bits outperform PDC in interbedded or variable lithologies.
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Geothermal drilling – High‑temperature rated TCI bits with metal seals for geothermal wells requiring excellent heat dissipation and long life in crystalline rock.
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Water well drilling – Economical steel tooth bits for soft overburden transitioning to TCI bits for deeper hard‑rock aquifers.
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Mining and quarrying – Production drilling, blast hole drilling, and exploration core holes in open‑pit and underground operations.
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Coal bed methane – Steel tooth bits for coal and TCI bits for interbedded hard stringers.
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Construction / foundation drilling – Heavy‑duty TCI bits for large‑diameter drilled shafts in urban foundations.
Why Choose SJ Petro as Your Tricone Drill Bit Manufacturer?
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API 7‑1 certified – Full compliance with international standards. Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV, SGS) is always welcome.
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Sinopec‑backed engineering – 80+ years of oilfield manufacturing heritage, 314 in‑house R&D engineers, and a 180,000+ m² manufacturing campus.
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Complete IADC coverage – From 1‑1‑1 through 8‑3‑7, we stock or manufacture bits for every formation type.
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Kingdream collaboration – Through Sinopec’s dedicated downhole tool entity with over 40 years of bit‑manufacturing expertise, we deliver formation‑specific engineering.
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Full material traceability – Every bit carries a unique serial number. Full material certificates (EN 10204 3.1) provided.
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Competitive direct‑manufacturer pricing – No middleman. You pay factory prices for Sinopec‑level quality.
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Global logistics – We have shipped to over 30 countries. Our export team handles all documentation.
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Dull bit analysis – Our accredited lab inspects returned bits and provides failure reports (abrasion, impact damage, thermal degradation) to help refine your future selections.
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Warranty – 12 months on all tricone bits against material and workmanship defects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between a steel tooth tricone bit and a TCI tricone bit?
Steel tooth bits have cutting teeth machined directly from the cone body. They are aggressive, less expensive, and ideal for soft, low‑compressive‑strength formations where ROP is the priority. TCI bits use pressed‑in tungsten carbide inserts that are far more wear‑resistant, making them the right choice for hard, abrasive, or interbedded rock where bit life matters most.
Q2: How do I choose the correct IADC code for my formation?
Identify your formation lithology (rock type) and approximate compressive strength. For soft, non‑abrasive rock, use IADC codes starting with 1, 2, or 3 (steel tooth). For medium‑hard to very hard rock, use IADC codes starting with 5, 6, 7, or 8 (TCI). Within each series, a higher second digit corresponds to harder formations.
Q3: What is the difference between a sealed journal bearing and a sealed roller bearing?
A sealed journal bearing has no rolling elements—the cone rotates directly on a journal surface lubricated by grease, offering a large load‑bearing area for very high WOB. A sealed roller bearing uses cylindrical rollers between the bearing pin and cone. Journal bearings generally offer higher load capacity and are preferred for deep, hard formation drilling; roller bearings are common in standard land operations.
Q4: Can I get a tricone bit with metal‑sealed bearings for high‑temperature geothermal wells?
Yes. Our metal‑sealed journal bearings are rated to operate reliably above 250°C, making them suitable for geothermal, HP/HT oil and gas, and other high‑temperature environments where rubber seals would degrade.
Q5: What is the typical WOB (weight‑on‑bit) for a tricone bit?
As a general rule, steel tooth bits require 1‑3 tons per inch of bit diameter. TCI bits require 2‑5 tons per inch of bit diameter. Our specification tables provide recommended WOB in KN/mm for each IADC code. Applying incorrect WOB is a leading cause of premature bit failure.
Q6: Can I send my dull bits back for failure analysis?
Absolutely. We operate an accredited inspection laboratory and can grade your dull bits according to IADC dull grading standards. Our written failure analysis report identifies wear mechanisms (abrasion, impact damage, thermal degradation, balling, etc.) and provides actionable recommendations for your next bit selection.
Q7: What is the typical lead time for a tricone bit order?
Common sizes (8 1/2", 12 1/4", 17 1/2") and standard IADC codes are stocked for immediate shipment. Non‑stock sizes and custom configurations: 20‑30 days. Rush orders may be expedited on request.
Q8: Do you provide third‑party inspection for tricone bits?
Yes. We are fully set up for third‑party inspection by ABS, DNV, BV, SGS, or your nominated surveyor. Inspection can be scheduled at any stage of manufacturing, and we provide full access to our production facility for witness testing.
Q9: What quality documentation do you provide with each tricone bit?
Each bit is accompanied by: material test certificates (EN 10204 3.1) with heat numbers, chemical composition, and mechanical properties; dimensional inspection report; non‑destructive testing (MPI/UT) report; and a certificate of conformance. For international shipments, we also provide commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin (China).
