Drifter bits

Types of drifter bits

Drifter bits are drill bits used in conjunction with a drift drill designed for mining purposes. These bits may be manufactured using tungsten carbide, high-grade alloy steel, or other durable materials. Drifter bits are usually made with a number of cutting head configurations to suit different rock formations. Some common types of drifter bits include:

• Cross Nord Bit

  The Cross Nord drifter bits are commonly used with drifters of the Cross type. They feature a symmetrical shape characterized by two perpendicular grooves at the bit head. The crossover drifter bits create cross-shaped holes in the rock by combining drop and drag methods. The bits generally have a good penetration rate and level of control.

• Euradrill Bit

  The Euradrill drifter bits are mainly used with drifters of the Euradrill type. They are characterized by a rounded head configuration and uniform diameter. The drifter bits are commonly used in soft to medium-hard rock formations. They feature good control and high penetration rates. The Euradrill drifter bits can be easily used for faced tunnelling, benching, and production drilling.

• R32 Drill Bit

  R32 bits are made to fit R32 threaded rods. These bits are commonly used in different mining and construction applications. They are available in various configurations to suit specific geological conditions and drilling requirements. The R32 bits feature a reliable performance and great versatility in medium-hard to hard rock formations.

• T38 Drifter Bit

  The T38 drifter bits are manufactured to fit T38 threaded rods. They are mainly applied in various mining, geotechnical, and construction projects. The T38 drifter bits are popular choices in the industry for their excellent versatility and reliable performance. They are usually applied in hard rock formations. The bits also feature good efficiency and precision in drilling.

Specifications and maintenance of drifter bits

The specifications of a drifter drill bit vary according to type, area of application, and mining environment. Nonetheless, here are some common specifications that one can find when searching for a drifter drill bit.

• Diameter: Drifter drill bits come in a wide range of diameter sizes. The diameter of the drill bit will determine the diameter of the hole. Generally, the diameter size ranges from 1 to 4 inches.
• Thread: Drifter bits have thread profiles that ensure a secure connection between the drill steel and the bit. The threads are designed to facilitate easy engagement and disengagement during the drilling process.
• Length: The length of a drifter bit is usually specified as a range. Shorter bits are usually used in confined spaces and for secondary blasting while longer bits are used for production drilling.
• Carburized Steel Drifter Bits: These types of drifter bits are manufactured using carburized steel. Carburized steel is usually formed when carbon is absorbed into the surface of the steel, thereby increasing the bit's toughness.
• U.S. Steel Drifter Bits: This type of drifter bit is manufactured using U.S. steel, which is known to have high quality. U.S. steel has a rich reputation of being long-lasting and dependably durable. Usually, U.S. steel is applied in early holes and primary blasts in mining quarries.
• Design: The design of a drifter bit will vary according to the intended purpose of the bit. For instance, a cross design allows for even distribution of air across the hole to speed up the flushing process. Additionally, the manufacturer will also affect the design of a drifter bit.

Maintenance

Even after undergoing various hardening and tempering processes, drifter bits are bound to wear out and corrode. Nonetheless, it is important to note that with proper maintenance, drill bits will last longer and carry out their functions efficiently. Below are some popular maintenance tips for drifter bits:

• Regular cleaning: It is common to find rock residue, drilling mud, or other contaminants building up on the surface of the drifter bit. Typically, this debris can result in excessive wear and corrosion if it is not removed. Hence, to ensure the bit remains in pristine condition, one should clean it regularly.
• Lubrication: Drifter bits are usually attached to a drill steel that rotates and may require regular lubrication for it to function optimally. Lubrication prevents the bits and drill steel from wearing out quickly, thus improving their lifespan.
• Storage: Storing the drifter bit properly is also a key factor that will improve its lifespan. Storing the bit in a dry and cool place will prevent it from being damaged or corroded.
• Avoid overheating: When using a drifter bit, especially during high-intensity mining tasks, one should avoid overheating. Overheating can cause thermal damage to the drifter bit, which may result in an impaired drilling performance and reduced lifespan.

Scenarios

Drifter bits are mainly used in underground mining operations and large-scale construction projects. In these two scenarios, they are the primary tools for creating blast holes.

• In hard rock mining, drifter bits are used to create blast holes in ore to increase yield and extraction rates. This is in open-pit mining or underground mining, where large ore deposits are deep underground.
• In the tunneling industry, drifter bits are used in the construction of road and rail tunnels as well as in underground mining. Drifter bits are used in the construction of tunnels to create ventilation shafts and access tunnels.
• Drifter bits are used in large-scale construction projects such as foundation construction where deep holes need to be drilled. Drifter bits are also used in land clearing projects after excavation in order to create holes for explosives in controlled blasting.

How to choose drifter bits

Choosing the right drifter bits for sale requires considering several factors that will affect its performance and the area in which it will be used. These factors include:

• Rock condition and formation:

  The geology and rock structure of the area in which the drilling operation will take place will affect the choice of the drifter bit. For instance, if one is drilling through hard, abrasive rocks, they would need to use bits designed for such conditions, like tungsten carbide drill bits.

• Drilling diameter and depth:

  The size of the holes that need to be drilled is another important aspect to consider when selecting a drifter bit. Depending on the required hole diameter, buyers can choose bits with various sizes and configurations. Additionally, the depth of the holes also matters. In the case where shallow to moderate depths are required, standard bits will suffice. However, if greater depths are needed, extended-length bits or those with interchangeable sections may be necessary.

• Drilling method and equipment compatibility:

  Different types of drifter bits are designed to work with specific drilling techniques and equipment. As such, it's important to consider the drilling method employed and select a bit that is compatible with the drill being used to ensure efficient operation and effective hole formation.

• Cost and performance balance:

  Ultimately, after all these considerations have been made, the buyer's decision will come down to the cost and performance balance of the drifter bits. While it's important to select bits that will work effectively in the drilling job at hand, the cost of these items also matters. Therefore, a proper evaluation of the required rock bit's performance characteristics and the drilling condition's needs should be made in order to establish an economic choice that will give adequate performance without exceeding the budgetary limits.

Drifter bits FAQ

Q1: When should a drifter bit be re-faced or replaced?

A1: If a drifter bit shows excessive wear, damage, or loss of its original profile, it should be re-faced or replaced. Additionally, if the performance of the bit declines, it takes longer to drill, or the chip removal begins to clog, the bit should be replaced.

Q2: What are the advantages of using a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer bit in drifting?

A2: Drifter bits and hammers are typically used for horizontal drilling. Down-the-hole hammers can also be used for drifting. DTH hammers have better energy transfer, leading to faster drilling rates. They are more efficient in harder rock formations, and their percussion generates less noise and vibration at the surface.

Q3: What is the difference between a drifting bit and a tunnel bit?

A3: The primary task of a drifting bit is to create an initial borehole in a horizontal or inclined direction. Tunnel bits are designed for large-scale excavation in a circular or tunneling profile. Drifting bits also tend to have a smaller diameter than tunnel bits.

Q4: Can drifter bits be used with any type of rock drill?

A4: No, drifter bits are designed to be used with specific rock drills. Different types of drifter bits are available for cross-fits and threads to match particular rock drill models.