Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
Issue link: https://emj.epubxp.com/i/98266
COMPANY PROFILE-PAID ADVERTISEMENT Varel International Backed by years of field-proven technology and expertise, Varel International is the leading provider of high performance drill bits for the global mining and industrial markets. The company's technological advances embrace the use of highly sophisticated computer technology, premium raw materials and thousands of "on the job man hours," all aimed at reducing customers' cost of drilling. Varel International is continually improving its series of three cone drill bits designed for the blasthole industry. The introduction of the patented Varel Ridgeback series produced the first generation of advanced technology features designed for longer life bearings, improved cutting structures, and the famous Ridgeback shirttail concept. All of these features greatly assist hole cleaning, resulting in extended bit life. Ridgeback D-Force Series The D-Force series is engineered for highly abrasive and broken ground applications, often found in gold bearing formations as well as some copper and coal bearing formations. Features of the series include: • Advanced Bearing Package—The bearing package is designed to minimize heating, and features wear elements with advanced materials to give the maximum bearing life under a wide variety of operating conditions. • Enhanced Shirttail Protection—Abrasion resistant Semi-Round Top (SRT) inserts are set into the Varel Sidewinder design, or "S" pattern, in the leg. This insert design, coupled with the body of the D-Force bit, creates an extremely strong gage, beneficial for holding gage while drilling ahead and effective in unstable/fracturing formations. • Improved Cutting Elements—Precision cutting elements are further processed with Varel's patented High Energy Tumbling™ (HET) method which produces a unique cutting structure surface that extends bit life and increases drilling rate. This process is proven to increase insert toughness, increase penetration rates and reduce drilling costs. Ridgeback Marathon Series Ridgeback Marathon products contain long life bearings, additional gage protection and improved cutting structure elements for use in high pull-down applications. These innovations, along with the following features, produce larger cuttings, less dust and an increased rate of penetration. Improved Thrust Capacity Bearing thrust capacity is often the limiting factor in bearing life. Marathon bits feature an improved thrust face design which minimizes outward thrust wear to prolong bearing life. Vented Cones Vented cones are standard in all Ridgeback Marathon series bits 9" and larger in diameter. These vented cones allow a continuous air flow throughout the bearing to provide better cooling and cleaning. Enhanced Cutter Design An enhanced cutter design process provides the highest penetration rates and longest life available. In addition to the industry's leading blast hole drill bit, Varel has introduced several new technologies at during 2011 and 2012. These include: RPS™ Rotary Percussion System Tools These patented tools, under development for several years are now being ramped up for commercial deployment by Varel. The RPS system is consistently delivering increases in rate of penetration in the range of 25%. RP Series Roller Cone Drill Bits Specially reinforced for maximum life on percussion tool systems, such as RPS system. Avenger™ Series Sealed Bearing Blast Hole Bits With a total of nine patented or patent pending features this all new blast hole offering is demonstrating dramatic increases in bearing life in applications where traditional open bearing bits are unable to achieve total drilling cost goals. Target™ HDD Technologies This introduction includes an all new array of roller cone bits for use in trenchless technology and horizontal directional drilling applications. The bits all incorporate the patent pending EdgeGuard™ shirttail protection which has proven to extend bit life in HDD applications. It also includes Varel's all new Full Coverage cutter arms. These arms are available to manufacturers of hole openers and reamers used in HDD applications. About Varel Varel International is the world's largest supplier of drill bits to the global mining and industrial drill bit market, providing a comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico, and Tarbes, France, as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel's proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customers. For more information, visit www.varelintl.com. 14 E&MJ; • DECEMBER 2012 www.e-mj.com