Triangular-TSP Core Bits

This style of bit is essentially a hybrid between the surface-set diamond and geotechnical bit ranges. They feature a relatively dense setting of triangular TSP elements that are augmented with ‘P2’ Grade natural drill diamond set on the bit face at the outside and inside gauge diameters. The gauge diameter surfaces themselves are set exclusively with natural diamond.

All Triangular-TSP core bits are supplied with a Semi-Round (Style ‘W’) crown profile. The available waterway configurations include either the internal discharge type with wide trapezoidal-shaped canals (Style ‘XXW’) or the face-discharge type with cylindrical ports (Style ‘FD’). The face-discharge configuration is available for bits with kerf widths of 0.40 inch (10 mm) or greater.

The Triangular-TSP style is recommended for use in consolidated to slightly fractured formations with a Mohs hardness range of 4 to 5. Typical formation types include: Hard Sandstone, Alluvial Deposits, Serpentine and Dolomitic Limestone.

For optimum performance, Triangular-TSP core bits require a bit load of approximately 100 to 125 lbs. force (450 to 550 N) per TSP cutter mounted on the bit face. Always verify that the calculated bit load value does not exceed the load bearing capacity of the drill string in use. A rotational speed of 3 to 8 feet per second (0.9 to 2.4 metres per second) measured on the outside diameter of the bit crown will provide an acceptable rate of penetration.

Cubic-TSP Core Bits

This style of bit is set with cube-shaped TSP elements. These elements are larger in size than the triangular-shaped elements and as such have a greater degree of cutter exposure. The setting density on a Cubic-TSP core bit is somewhat lower than that of a Triangular-TSP core bit. The gauge diameter surfaces on all Cubic-TSP are set with a combination of natural diamond and tungsten-carbide pads. Additional TSP elements are set on the gauge diameter surfaces of wider kerf core bits.

All Cubic-TSP core bits are supplied with a Semi-Round (Style ‘W’) crown profile. The available waterway configurations include either the internal discharge type with wide canals (Style ‘XXW’) or the face-discharge type with slot-shaped ports (Style ‘SFD’). The face-discharge configuration is available for bits with kerf widths of 0.40 inch (10 mm) or greater. Most Cubic-TSP core bit designs feature extra-wide channels on the outside diameter of the bit crown to ease the passage of circulation fluid and cuttings from the bit face.

The Cubic-TSP style is recommended for use in unconsolidated formations with a Mohs hardness range of 3 to 4. Typical formation types include: Limestone, Sandstone, Siltstone, Fluorite, Slate, Claystone and Apatite.

For optimum performance, Cubic-TSP core bits require a bit load of approximately 100 to 125 lbs. force (450 to 550 N) per TSP cutter mounted on the bit face. A rotational speed of 3 to 6 feet per second (0.9 to 1.8 metres per second) measured on the outside diameter of the bit crown will provide an acceptable rate of penetration.