Wear Patterns
When an impregnated core bit is removed from the drill-hole after use,
the resulting wear pattern on the bit face is an important source of
information for the operator. By “reading” the bit face, the operator can
frequently troubleshoot problems by simply altering the drill’s
operating parameters or by changing the bit to a matrix type or
waterway configuration that is better suited to the ground conditions.
New Condition
For reference purposes, this graphic illustrates the appearance of a
new, unused impregnated diamond core bit crown.
Ideal Wear Pattern
The observed mid-life wear pattern on a properly used impregnated
diamond core bit should be relatively flat with slightly chamfered
sides.
Normal Retirement
The full depth of diamond impregnation is evenly consumed.
Outside Diameter Gauge Loss
Possible causes and solutions:
• Vibration - Lower the rotational speed.
• Lack of in-hole fluid circulation - Increase the pump rate.
• The bit is reaming an undersized drill hole - Check the gauge diameter of the reaming shell in use and replace if
found to be undersized.
Inside Diameter Gauge Loss
Possible causes and solutions:
• Overfeeding the bit - Reduce the penetration rate.
• Damage from drilling into highly unconsolidated material - Cement the drill hole or change to a harder (lower
number) Dimatec “D-Series” or “HR-Series” matrix type.
• Drilling over lost core - Examine the core tube contents.
• Lack of fluid circulation - Check the inner tube length adjustment to ensure that there are no fluid restrictions
within the core barrel assembly. Also check the in-hole circulation pump rate and the drill rod string for leaks.
Cracked Waterways
Possible causes:
• An excessive bit load was applied.
• The bit, core barrel and drill rod string were accidentally dropped in the drill hole.
• The wireline inner tube assembly was accidentally allowed to free fall through the drill rod string in a dry hole.
• The bit was accidentally crushed by the rod holder or foot clamp
Concave Face Wear
This wear pattern frequently results from the use of a penetration rate
that is too high for the rotational speed being used (overfeeding). This
wear pattern is also caused by “grinding core”.
Convex Face Wear
Possible causes and solutions:
• Insufficient fluid circulation across the bit face - Check the circulation pump and drill rod string for leaks; increase
the pump rate.
• Repeated in-hole “dry-stripping” in hard, non-abrasive formations - Change to a softer (higher number) Dimatec
“D-Series” or “HR-Series” matrix type
Excessive Diamond Exposure
In this wear pattern, the metal-bond matrix abrades away before the
diamond crystals have become worn. As there is insufficient metal-
bond matrix material to support the over-exposed diamond crystals on
the bit face, the diamonds are released from the matrix material
prematurely resulting in low bit life. Possible causes and solutions:
• The penetration rate is too high for the rotational speed in use (overfeeding) - Reduce the penetration rate or
increase the rotational speed.
• The matrix type is too soft for the ground conditions - Change to a harder (lower number) Dimatec “D-Series” or
“HR-Series” matrix type
Glazed Bit Face
In this condition, the diamond crystals on the bit face have become
completely embedded in the metal-bond matrix. Sandblast the bit face
in order to re-expose the diamond crystals. Try drilling with a slower
rotational speed and/or a lower in-hole fluid circulation rate in an effort
to cause the metal-bond matrix to abrade at a higher rate that will
cause the diamond crystals to become exposed more readily. If the bit
face glazes repeatedly, change to a softer (higher number) Dimatec
“D-Series” or “HR-Series” matrix type.
Burnt Bit Crown
This condition is the result of a significant loss of fluid circulation
across the bit face. Possible causes for this condition include:
• The operational failure of the fluid circulation pump.
• Excessive circulation fluid leaks in the drill rod string, water swivel or hoses.
• Internal core barrel fluid restrictions resulting from the incorrect adjustment of the wireline inner tube assembly.
• One or more waterway canals on the bit crown are blocked by pebbles or other debris.
