INNOVATION HAS NO LIMITS

RIDGEBACK
MARATHON
RIDGEBACK
D-FORCE
INNOVATION HAS NO LIMITS
Proud to be a Miner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Brief
Introduction
Ridgeback Marathon
Ridgeback D-Force
TM
1-2
TM
and
Comparison
3
Innovation, Evolution,
Features and Benefits
4-5
Blast Hole Bits
6-10
Tungsten Carbide
Industrial Bits
11
Mineral
Exploration Bits
12
Steel Tooth Product Range
13-16
Pilot Bits
17
Additional Useful Data
18-21
DEDICATED TO DRILL BITS
Varel International is focused exclusively
on producing world class drilling bits.
We are committed to introducing drill bit innovation in
partnership with our customers.
We are a dedicated specialist drill bit manufacturer
with more than 50 years experience.
Vision Statement
“We will be recognized as a leading global drill bit company”
Mission Statement
“We will deliver ever-increasing value to our customers and other
stakeholders by exceeding industry standards for performance,
service and innovation.”
Company Values
We believe that people make a successful business.
We are a team of passionate people who :
V alue
A re
our employees for their dedication and innovation.
accountable to our stakeholders.
R eliably
E thically
L ead
provide products and service.
interact with our customers, competitors, vendors and community.
in generating value for our customers.
1
After its founding in 1947,
Varel International remained a
family owned business until 1998,
and is now majority owned
by the Arcapita (USA) Group.
Development
of Varel rock bits
since
2000
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
assists hole cleaning resulting
in extended bit life.
2008
Building on the success of
the patented Ridgeback series,
the introduction of the new
Ridgeback MarathonTM and
Ridgeback D-ForceTM Series
combines many of the existing
field-proven features, plus a
new high load SP1 bearing
package, reinforced gage and
shirttail protection features.
These Ridgeback D-ForceTM
features have been
introduced to increase
performance in highly
abrasive conditions.
2
TM
TM
Marathon & D-Force
- feature comparison
Backed by years of field-proven technology and expertise, Varel has become
the leading provider of high performance drill bits.
Our 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 our customers’ cost of drilling.
TM
Ridgeback
Marathon Blast Hole
HET carbide
treatment
HET carbide
treatment
Vented cones
Vented cones
Tougher
carbide grades
Tough & wear
resistant
cutting structure
New SP1 advanced
bearing design
Increased
hole wall
clearance
New SP1 advanced
bearing design
New abrasion
resistant
carbide grades
Ridgeback
Sidewinder
shirttail/gage
protection
Ridgeback Marathon products
contain new longer life bearings,
additional gage protection, and
improved cutting structure
elements for use in high pull-down
applications.
TM
Ridgeback D-Force products
contain new longer life bearings,
heavy duty shirttails, and improved
abrasion resitant tungsten carbide
inserts for use in extremely abrasive
applications.
TM
D-Force
TM
Ridgeback
Blast Hole
3
I N N O VAT I O N A N D
EVOLUTION
INTRODUCING
RIDGEBACK MARATHON
AND RIDGEBACK
D-FORCE SERIES
A ir
P as s ageways
TM
TM
Varel International is continually improving its’
series of three cone drill bits designed for the
blasthole industry.
TM
T he R idgeback M ar athon and R idgeback D F orce s er ies , incor por ate the m os t advanced
features available today in air circulation r ock
bits .
TM
A ir V ent Holes
M ain R oller
B ear ing
RIDGEBACK
DESIGN
TECHNOLOGY
C arbide
S hir ttail
Protection
B all
B ear ing
P ilot
B ear ing
N ew advances in computer technology have
allowed V arel to develop proprietar y rock bit
design software that enables design changes to
be introduced rapidly. T his exclusive software
aids the engineer with bit design analysis and
includes such factors as drill operating
parameters, bit geometr y and mine lithology.
By using this software, V arel’s engineers
are able to predict the effects of design
modifications and limit the risks associated
with new product development.
4
T hr us t
B utton
T hr us t
F aces
High E nergy T um bling
S E R I E S F E AT U R E S A N D
BENEFITS
RIDGEBACK
Advanced Bearing
Design
RIDGEBACK
M A R AT H O N
D-FORCE
A ll R idgeback M ar athon T M and
R idgeback D -F orce T M r ock bits
incor por ate bear ings des igned
to m inim ize heating. T he wear
elem ents featur e advanced
m ater ials to give the
m axim um bear ing life under
a wide var iety of oper ating
conditions .
Enhanced Cutter Design
T he R idgeback M ar athon T M and
TM
R idgeback D -F orce des ign
pr oces s pr ovides the highes t
penetr ation r ates and longes t
life available.
Improved Thrust
Capacity
Bearing thr ust capacity is
often the limiting factor in
bearing life. R idgeback
TM
M arathon bits feature an
improved thr ust face design
which minimizes outward
thr ust wear to prolong bearing life.
Maximum Gage
Protection S R T (S em i R ound
High Energy Tumbling
TM
Top) tungs ten car bide and welded
har dm etal pr ovide s uper ior wear
r es is tance to the s hir ttail ar ea.
T his S idewinder featur e is
par ticular ly effective in uns table/fr actur ed for m ations
and als o dur ing collar ing.
Precision manufactured inser ts are
fur ther processed for maximum toughness.
V arel’s HE T T M - High E nergy T umblingT M
process (patented) - gives the inser ts a
unique sur face toughness that extends bit
life.
Innovation
Advantages
• L onger bear ing life
Back Flow Valves
BFV ’s are available for wet
conditions on both
R idgeback M arathonT M and
R idgeback D-Force T M models.
• Incr eas ed penetr ation
• A dded gage penetr ation
• R educed heat gener ation
• L arger cuttings
• L es s dus t
Vented Cones
V ented cones are s tandard in all
R idgeback M arathonT M and
R idgeback D -F orce T M s eries bits
9” and larger in diam eter.
V ented cones allow a continuous
air flow throughout the bearings
to provide better cooling and
cleaning.
See page 20 for recommended
nozzle sizes when using bits
with vented cones.
5
S O F T F O R M AT I O N
INSERT BITS
All soft formation bits are designed with aggressive cutter
profiles to provide extremely high penetration rates.
RB30/DF30
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
2,000 - 10,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
70 to 120 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
2,000 to 4,000
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
RB40/DF40
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations and most
gold bearing formations.
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
5,000 - 15,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
70 to 120 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
2,000 to 4,500
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
DF43
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations .
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations and most
gold bearing formations.
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
8,500 - 23,500 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
70 to 120 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
2,000 to 5,000
APPLICATIONS:
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations and most
gold bearing formations.
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
C utting structures may vary from those shown where R B and DF series bits share the same series number (i.e. R B40/DF40).
The Ridgeback D-ForceTM series
includes many of our Ridgeback
MarathonTM features with additional
gage protection and a heavy duty
Sidewinder leg which is designed
for extremely abrasive applications
and drilling conditions where
difficult hole cleaning, or extreme
formations, require maximum
shirttail protection.
The Ridgeback MarathonTM series
contains new longer life bearings,
additional gage protection, and
improved cutting structure elements
for use in high pull-down
applications.
Ridgeback
D-Force
(Sidewinder)
6
M E D I U M F O R M AT I O N
INSERT BITS
Medium formation bits are most commonly used in the mining industry,
and provide long bearing life with additional insert strength for consolidated formations.
RB50
series
STRENGTHS:
10,000 - 30,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
70 to 120 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
2,500 to 5,000
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
RB53/DF53
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
15,000 - 35,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
70 to 120 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
2,500 to 5,000
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations most
gold bearing formations.
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
RB60/DF60
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
25,000 - 45,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
60 to 100 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
3,000 to 6,000
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations most
gold bearing formations.
C utting structures may vary from those shown where R B and DF series bits share the same series number (i.e. R B40/DF40).
The Ridgeback D-Force series
includes many of our Ridgeback
Marathon features with additional
gage protection and a heavy duty
Sidewinder leg which is designed
for extremely abrasive
applications and drilling conditions
where difficult hole cleaning, or
extreme formations, require
maximum shirttail protection.
The Ridgeback MarathonTM series
contains new longer life bearings,
additional gage protection, and
improved cutting structure elements
for use in high pull-down
applications.
Ridgeback
D-Force
(Sidewinder)
7
MEDIUM HARD
INSERT BITS
F O R M AT I O N
All medium hard formation bits are designed with aggressive
cutter profiles to provide extremely high penetration rates
when higher pulldown is needed.
RB63/DF63
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
27,500 - 47,500 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
60 to 100 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
3,000 to 6,000
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
RB67/DF67
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
30,000 - 50,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
60 to 100 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
3,000 to 6,500
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations most
gold bearing formations.
C utting structures may vary from those shown where R B and DF series bits share the same series number (i.e. R B40/DF40).
The Ridgeback D-ForceTM series
includes many of our Ridgeback
MarathonTM features with additional
gage protection and a heavy duty
Sidewinder leg which is designed
for extremely abrasive
applications and drilling conditions
where difficult hole cleaning, or
extreme formations, require
maximum shirttail protection.
The Ridgeback MarathonTM series
contains new longer life bearings,
additional gage protection, and
improved cutting structure elements
for use in high pull-down
applications.
Ridgeback
D-Force
(Sidewinder)
8
H A R D / V E RY H A R D
INSERT BITS
F O R M AT I O N
All hard formation bits are designed with tough low
extension cutter profiles to provide maximum durability
in hard formations.
RB70/DF70
series
STRENGTHS:
35,000 - 60,000 (psi)
DRILLING SPEEDS:
50 to 90 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
4,000 to 7,500
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
RB80G
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
D-FORCE : For use in more abrasive formations
containing sand, silica, quartz, most ignious formations most
gold bearing formations.
series
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
50,000 (psi) and Higher
DRILLING SPEEDS:
40 to 70 rpm
JET CIRCULATION:
All sizes
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
5,000 to 8,000
APPLICATIONS:
MARATHON : For use in less abrasive formations such as
shales, limestones, carbonates, most metamorphic
formations and most copper bearing formations.
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
C utting structures may vary from those shown where R B and DF series bits share the same series number (i.e. R B40/DF40).
The Ridgeback D-ForceTM series
includes many of our Ridgeback
MarathonTM features with additional
gage protection and a heavy duty
Sidewinder leg which is designed
for extremely abrasive
applications and drilling conditions
where difficult hole cleaning, or
extreme formations, require
maximum shirttail protection.
The Ridgeback MarathonTM series
contains new longer life bearings,
additional gage protection, and
improved cutting structure elements
for use in high pull-down
applications.
Ridgeback
D-Force
(Sidewinder)
9
INSERT BIT PRODUCT LINE
RIDGEBACK
Diameter
TM
MEDIUM > HARD
SOFT > MEDIUM
1
2
3
4
Inches
mm
6 1/4
159
6 3/4
171
RB40
7 3/8
187
RB40
RB50
7 7/8
200
RB40
RB50
8 1/2
216
9
229
RB30
RB40
9 7/8
251
RB30
RB40
10 5/8
270
11
280
12 1/4
311
13 3/4
349
16
406.4
PRODUCT LINE
5
1
2
HARD > VERY HARD
3
1
2
RB53
RB30
RB60
RB50
RB70
RB50
RB53
RB60
RB63
RB67
RB40
RB40
RB43
RB50
RB43
RB43
1
2
3
mm
6 3/4
159
7 7/8
200
9
229
9 7/8
251
DF30
DF40
10 5/8
270
DF30
DF40
11
280
12 1/4
311
16
406.4
DF20
DF30
DF40
4
kg
3 1/2
42
19
3 1/2
46
21
3 1/2
58
26
4 1/2
76
35
4 1/2
83
38
4 1/2
96
43
6 5/8
145
66
RB60
RB63
RB67
RB53
RB60
RB63
RB67
6 5/8
157
72
RB53
RB60
RB67
6 5/8
193
88
RB53
RB60
6 5/8
225
102
RB53
RB60
6 5/8
292
134
7 BECO
580
264
RB63
RB67
RB80G
RB70
RB80G
RB67
TM
PRODUCT LINE
MEDIUM > HARD
5
lbs
RB53
DF43
SOFT > MDIUM
Inches
Inches
RB60
RB60*
Diameter
Approx Wt
RB53
D-FORCE
1
2
DF43
DF60
DF43
DF60
DF70
HARD > VERY HARD
3
1
2
DF70
DF63
DF60
DF53
DF57
3
Pin Size
Approx Wt
Inches
lbs
kg
3 1/2
42
19
4 1/2
76
35
4 1/2
96
43
6 5/8
145
66
DF60
DF63
DF67
DF60
DF63
DF67
6 5/8
157
72
DF60
DF63
DF67
6 5/8
193
88
DF60
DF63
DF67
6 5/8
225
102
DF67*
7 BECO
580
264
DF70
*With 7" BECO pin
T he above pr oduct r ange r epr es ents the bits which wer e available when this catalogue was publis hed. V ar el is continually
expanding and developing its r ange of pr oducts . F or an updated
availability lis t, pleas e contact a V ar el s ales
r epr es entative/agent, or cons ult our
W eb s ite at -W W W.V A R E L IN T L .C O M
10
3
Pin Size
INDUSTRIAL BIT PRODUCT LINE
TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INDUSTRIAL BITS
Diameter
SOFT
Inches
mm
1
2
2 15/16 - 3
75-76
3 7/8
98
4
101
4 1/4
108
4 1/2
114
4 3/4
121
4 7/8
123
5 1/8
130
QMC9
5 5/8
143
5 7/8
MEDIUM
3
1
2
HARD
3
1
2
Pin Size
3
Approx Wt
lbs
kg
N Rod
8
3.6
DWH
2 3/8
10
4.5
DWH
2 3/8
11
4.75
DW7
2 3/8
12
5.5
DW7
2 3/8
13
5.8
DW7 QMC7
2 7/8
15
6.8
QMC7
2 7/8
16
7.1
DW7 QMC7
2 7/8
17
7.7
DW9
DW7 QMC7
3 1/2
27
12.2
149
DW9
DW7
3 1/2
28
12.7
6
152
DW9
DW7
3 1/2
35
15.9
6 1/4
159
QMC7
3 1/2
36
16.3
DW7
DW531
DW532
DW9
DW53ET
QMC53ET
M60
P leas e note that all Q M C s er ies pr oducts m ay be s lightly over s ize.
A ll D W s er ies pr oducts ar e m ade s tr ictly to A P I toler ance s tandar ds .
DW9
DW53ET
DW7
DWH
11
M I N E R A L E X P L O R AT I O N B I T S
Varel has developed a range of reverse circulation bits with various bearing
packages. These bits are suitable for soft/medium formation drilling and have:
• Open non-sealed roller bearings.
• Fully sealed compensated journal bearings.
V ar el pr ovides a r ange of pr oducts for r ever s e circulation applications .
T hes e bits ar e developed to pr ovide exceptional per for m ance in a wide
var iety of for m ations typically encounter ed dur ing m iner al explor ation.
T he center hole is the m axim um diam eter pos s ible for s uper ior hole
cleaning and cuttings r etr ieval. A ll R X and R C bits ar e pr ecis ion m achined
to wor k with m os t exis ting R /C s ys tem s .
P r oducts featur ing both s ealed and open bear ings are a v a ila ble . V a r e l
f u lly s e a le d be a r ing pr o du c ts f o r r e v e r s e circulation applications feature
fully pr e s s u r e c om pe ns a te d, non s e r v ic e a ble lubrication s upplied to the
indus tr y ’s m os t s ophis ticated jour nal bearing. T he bearing features
hardm etal inlays on all contact s ur faces with s ilver-plated cone bear ings ,
s pecially for m ulated s eal com pounds , and high-tem per ature lubr icant.
T he bear ings and s eals are developed for long life.
O p e n b e a r i n g p r o d u c t s f e a t u r e p r e c i s i o n r o l l e r bear ings
with s pecial thr us t elem ents to prevent axial wear. T he cones are retained
by ball bear ings and the pilot pin features har dm etal inlays agains t a tool
s teel bus hing.
R egar dles s of bear ing type, the cutting s tr uctur es on all r ever s e
c i r c u l a t i o n p r o d u c t s a r e d e s i g n e d t o p r o v i d e a com bination
of fas t penetr ation and dur ability. T hes e bits cons is tently pr ovide the
lowes t cos t per foot of dr illed hole in m iner al explor ation applications .
EXPLORATION BITS
BIT AVAILABILITY
Bit
Diameter
Type
5 1/8"
DW53ET
MEDIUM
OPEN
5 1/4"
RX53
MEDIUM
OPEN
5 3/8"
RX53
MEDIUM
OPEN
5 1/2"
RX53
MEDIUM
OPEN
3 7/8"
CH24
SOFT
SEALED*
4 3/4"
CH24
SOFT
SEALED*
4 3/4"
CH35
MEDIUM
SEALED*
4 3/4"
ETD48
HARD
SEALED*
5"
RC537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 1/8"
RC537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 1/4"
RC537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 3/8"
RC537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 1/2"
RC537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 5/8"
CH34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 3/4"
CH34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
5 7/8"
CM34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
Formation
Bearing
6"
CM34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
6 1/8"
CM34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
6 1/4"
CM34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
6 1/2"
ETD34
MEDIUM
SEALED*
6 3/4"
V537
MEDIUM
SEALED*
* F ully s ealed bear ing with com pens ator
s ys tem .
O ur availability char t lis ts the m os t popular
diam eter s and cutting s tr uctur es we
cur r ently m anufactur e for r ever s e
circulation applications .
O ther cutting s tr uctur es and diam eter s
m ay be available upon r eques t.
5 1/2” - RC537
12
STEEL TOOTH BIT PRODUCT LINE
Diameter
Inches mm
SOFT
1
2
MEDIUM
3
1
2
HARD
3
1
2
Pin Size
3
Approx Wt
lbs
kg
2 7/8
73
LH1
N Rod
4
1.8
2 15/16
75
LH1
N Rod
4
1.8
3 1/4
79-82
N Rod
4 1/4
1.9
2 3/8
9
4.1
2 3/8
9
4.1
2 3/8
9
4.1
2 3/8
10
4.5
2 3/8
11
5
2 7/8
11
5
LH1
2 7/8
16
7.3
LH1
L2
3 1/2-3 5/8 89-92
3 3/4
L1
LH1
L2
95
L2
3 7/8-4 1/8 98-105
4 1/4
108
L2
4 1/2
114
L2
4 5/8
117
L2
4 3/4
121
L2
4 7/8
123
5
127
5 1/8
130
5 1/4
L1
LH1
LH1
L1
L2
2 7/8
16
7.3
L2
2 7/8
16
7.3
L2
2 7/8
17
8
133
L2
2 7/8
17
8
5 3/8
136
L2
2 7/8
17
8
5 1/2
140
L2
2 7/8
22
10
5 5/8
143
L2
3 1/2
22
10
5 3/4
146
L2
3 1/2
22
10
5 7/8
149
L2
3 1/2
22
10
6
152
L2
3 1/2
26
11.8
6 1/8
156
L2
3 1/2
26
11.8
6 1/4
159
L2
3 1/2
29
13.2
6 1/2
165
L2
3 1/2
29
13.2
6 5/8
168
L2
3 1/2
33
15
6 3/4
171
L2
3 1/2
33
15
7 7/8
200
L2
4 1/2
62
28
8 1/2
216
L2
4 1/2
83
38
12 1/4
311
L121*
6 5/8
200
91
13 3/4
349
L121*
6 5/8
292
133
14 3/4
375
L111*
7 5/8
345
157
15
381
L111*
7 5/8
345
157
16
406
L111*
7 5/8
390
178
17 1/2
445
L111*
7 5/8
450
204
20
508
L111*
7 5/8
647
293
21-22
533
L111*
7 5/8
860
391
23-24
584
L111*
7 5/8
891
404
26
660
L111*
7 5/8
1300
589
27 1/2
698
L111*
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
1300
589
28
711
L113*
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
1420
645
34
863
L3A
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
2200
1000
V3M0
V3S0
L211*
L1
36
914
L3A
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
2400
1100
38 1/4
1001
L3A
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
3850
1746
44
1118
L111A
7 5/8 or 8 5/8
6000
2722
* JET BITS
The above chart represents commonly available sizes and types. Varel International does produce other sizes and
types of rock bits which do not appear on this list. Please consult your local representative or visit our Web site.
WWW.VARELINTL.COM
If you have custom requirements for a specific application, please contact your local sales representative/agent.
13
S O F T F O R M AT I O N
STEEL TOOTH BITS
Varel’s soft formation steel tooth bits have long
aggressive forged teeth with maximum offset to give high penetration rates.
L111
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
JET CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES:
500 to 3,000 (psi)
60 to 150 rpm
all sizes
2,000 to 5,000
“A” Tooth
FORMATIONS: S oft limestones, soft clays, red beds, soft shales,
shells and other for mations with relatively low compressive strengths.
FEATURES: Long, slim, widely spaced teeth. All teeth are hard faced.
S kewed cone action for high penetration rates.
L111
L121
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
JET CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES:
500 to 3,500 (psi)
60 to 150 rpm
all sizes
2,000 to 5,500
“A” Tooth
FORMATIONS: S oft limestones, soft clays, red beds, soft shales,
shells and other for mations with relatively low compressive strengths.
FEATURES: Long, slim, widely spaced teeth with additional hard
facing. S kewed cone action for high penetration rates.
L121
V3MO
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
JET CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES:
1,000 to 5,000 (psi)
50 to 100 rpm
5 1/8” and larger
2,000 to 5,000
“A” Tooth
FORMATIONS: Engineered for rugged drilling in a wide variety
of for mations.
FEATURES: All teeth are hard faced with extra heavy deposits of
tungsten carbide for long life. Additional gage hard metal assures more protection
for the shir ttails. S pacing and angle of teeth allow for durability and long life.
V3M0
14
STEEL TOOTH BITS
MEDIUM & HARD
F O R M AT I O N
Medium series bits have “A” or “T” teeth for wear resistance.
Hard formation bits have “L” or “T” shaped heel row teeth for hard formations,
double “T” heel row teeth for hard and abrasive formations.
L2
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
ALL REGULAR CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES;
4,000 to 10,000 (psi)
35 to 85 rpm
2 7/8” and larger
3,000 to 6,000
“A” Tooth
FORMATIONS: W ide range of medium for mations such as
altered limestones, shales, anhydrite and other for mations with medium
compressive strengths.
FEATURES: M oderately skewed cone design. Teeth hard-faced on
one flank to resist abrasion. V ented “ A” type gage gives high rates of
penetration.
L2
L1
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
REGULAR CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES:
8,000 - 18,000 (psi)
35 to 75 rpm
All sizes
3,500 to 6,500
‘A’ Tooth
FORMATIONS: S pecifically designed for fast penetration in for mations that are hard, but not par ticularly abrasive.
FEATURES: Designed to confor m to latest drilling techniques
requiring heavier weights. S imilar in design to the LH1, but does not have
webbed heel row.
L1
LH1
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS:
DRILLING SPEEDS:
REGULAR CIRCULATION:
DRILLING WEIGHTS:
(lbs/inch of bit diameter)
GAGE TYPES:
9,000 - 20,000 (psi)
30 to 65 rpm
All sizes
3,500 to 7,000
Double ‘T’
FORMATIONS: Hard for mations such as pyrite, cher t,dolomites,
granite porphyry and other for mations which have high compressive strengths
and are abrasive.
FEATURES: C losely spaced, strong shor t teeth for maximum
crushing and chipping.
LH1
15
F E AT U R E S
Whether you are using air, water, foam or mud for
circulation purposes, Varel has a full range of bits
suitable for your needs.
Regular Center Fluid Circulation
Regular Air Circulation
Jet Circulation Fluid or Air
V arel regular circulation bits provide
efficient circulation of fluid through
the center of the bit to clean the teeth
and the bottom of the hole. A vailable in
full opening or thr ee dr illed hole
cour s es .
V arel air blast circulation bits provide a
balanced s upply of air to the bearings
for cooling. A balanced s upply of air
als o is directed to clean the cutters
and the bottom of the hole. Back flow
valve is available with this des ign.
V arel jet circulation bits are
engineered for use with high pressure
fluid or air. T he precis ion nozzles
direct the velocity of the fluid or air at
the bottom of the hole for efficient
cleaning.
Optional Features
1. Jet C irculation: S pecify air or fluid circulation.
2. R egular (center ) C irculation: S pecify fluid or air circulation and,
full hole or or ifice plate.
3. R ever s e C irculation: P r ecis ion m achined to cus tom er s pecifications .
4.B E C O P in thr ead connection.
Forged Teeth, unique to Varel
V ar el pioneer ed the r es earch and
developm ent of forged teeth for
s teel tooth r otar y cone bits . T his
technique, illus tr ated in the
chem ically etched s ection above,
is a r ecognized advance in
m etallurgical des ign, r es ulting in
s tr onger, unifor m ly com pr es s ed
and unbr oken flow lines in bit
teeth. T hes e s tr onger teeth
pr oduce longer bit life and fas ter
penetr ation.
16
SEALED BEARING PILOT HOLE BITS
Premium Sealed Bearing Pilot Hole Bits
CURRENT
PILOT BIT
AVAILABILITY
V ar el Inter national’s oilfield and m ining
exper ience pr ovides a s election of s ealed
bearing jour nal bits des igned for drilling the
m os t dem anding rais e bore pilot holes , blind
bore pilot holes , and underground drill and blas t
holes .
E ach bit is des igned with a prem ium s ealed
bear ing s ys tem
including a pr es s ur e
com pens ator. T he prem ium bearing package
features advanced m etallurgy with frictional
elem ents s ilver-plated to reduce frictional heat
generation and provide res is tance to galling
under high loads . O -ring s eals m ade from a
proprietar y HS N elas tom er provide extrem ely
long s eal life.
T he P H80 s eries features blunt dom e-s haped
ins er ts to provide a durable cutting s tr ucture
for m axim um cr us hing and chipping action while
m inim izing w ear . V ar el’s P H 60 bits utilize
conical and/or chis el s haped ins er ts for
incr eas ed penetr ation r ates in s ofter
for m ations . E xtra hardm etal and carbide ins er ts
are ins talled in the s ur face of the s hir ttail to
provide s uperior s eal protection.
Bit Sizes
Bit Type
15"
PHR80*
13 3/4"
PH80
12 1/4"
PHR80* - PH80
11"
PH60 - PH80
9"
PH80
* S ealed r oller bear ing bit for B oxhole applications .
A ll V ar el pr em ium pilot bits incor por ate s pecially for m ulated highly s atur ated nitr ile elas tom er s and high tem per atur e lubr icants .
(N ew diam eter s and m odels ar e under developm ent.
P leas e cons ult your near es t r epr es entative.)
12 1/4” - PH80
17
CONVERSION TABLE
DEPTH
WEIGHT ON BIT
NOZZLE SIZE
VOLUME
CIRCULATION RATE
ANNULAR VELOCITY
PRESSURE
MUD WEIGHT (density)
TORQUE
AREA
18
TO CONVERT
INTO
MULTIPLY BY
feet
meters
0.3048
metres
feet
3.2808
inches
millimeters
25.4
millimeters
inches
0.0394
pounds
decanewtons
0.4448
decanewtons
tonne (metric)
2.2481
tonne
pounds
0.0004536
pounds
kilograms
0.4536
kilograms
pounds
2.205
32nds
millimeters
0.7938
millimeters
32nds
1.2598
barrels
cubic meters
0.1590
cubic meters
barrels
6.290
U.S. gallons
cubic meters
0.003785
cubic meters
U.S. gallons
264.2
U.S. gallons
liters
3.7854
liters
U.S. gallons
0.2642
42
barrels/min
gallons/min
gallons/min
barrels/min
0.02381
gallons/min
liters/min
3.7854
liters/min
gallons/min
0.2642
feet/min
meters/min
0.3048
meters/min
feet/min
3.2808
psi
kilopascals
6.8947
kilopascals
psi
0.14504
psi
megapscals
0.006895
megapascals
psi
145.038
psi
atm
0.06804
atm
psi
14.696
psi
bars
0.06895
bars
psi
14.5038
psi
kilogram/sq cm
0.07031
kilogram/sq cm
psi
14.2233
pound/gallon
kilogram/cubic meter
119.829
kilogram/cubic meter
pound/gallon
0.008345
pound/gallon
specific gravity
0.119829
specific gravity
pound gallon
8.3452
pound/gallon
psi/1000 ft
51.948
psi/100 ft
pound gallon
0.01923
foot pound
newton meters
1.3558
newton meters
foot pound
0.7376
square inches
square millimeters
645.16
square millimeters
square inches
0.00155
CHARTS FOR MAXIMUM BIT LIFE
VAREL INSERT BIT COMPARISON AND HARDNESS TABLE
2500
5000
7500 10000 12500 15000 17500 20000 22500 25000 27500 30000 32500 35000 37500 40000 42500 45000 47500 50000 52500 55000 57500 60000 62500 65000 67500 70000
MPA
PTO
17.2
2.5
34.5
4
51.7
6
69.0
7
86.2
8
FORMATION
SCHIST (SOFT)
SANDSTONE
(SOFT)
LIMESTONE
(SOFT)
LIMESTONE
(HARD)
CONGLOMERATE
REPRESENTATIVE ROCK COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH in psi / mpa / protodjakonov scales
PSI
S
O
F
T
QUARTZITE
(HARD)
BASALT (HARD)
DIABASE
(DOLERITE)
AMPHIBOLITE
GRANITE
GABBRO
GNEISS
(AVERAGE)
SLATE
QUARTZITE
(SOFT)
DIORITE
SANDSTONE
(HARD)
103.4 120.7 137.9 155.1 172.4 189.6 206.8 224.1 241.3 258.6 275.8 293.0 310.3 327.5 344.7 362.0 379.2 396.5 413.7 430.9 448.2 465.4 482.6
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
20
21
22
23
23
24
30
40
Varel
Ridgeback Marathon
Ridgeback D-Force
Series Insert Bits
43
M
E
D
I
U
M
TM
TM
50
53
60
63
H
A
R
D
67
70
80
VAREL STEEL TOOTH BIT COMPARISON AND HARDNESS TABLE
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 15000 16000 17000 18000 19000
MPA
6.9
13.8
20.7
27.6
34.5
41.4
48.3
55.2
62.1
82.7
89.6
96.5
PTO
1
2
3
4
6
6
7
8
9
9
TUFF
SANDSTONE
(SOFT)
LIMESTONE
(SOFT)
BASALT (SOFT)
LIMESTONE
(HARD)
CONGLOMERATE
DOLOMITE
SHALE (SOFT)
S
O
F
T
M
E
D
I
U
M
H
A
R
D
10
10
11
11
12
DIORITE
SCHIST (HARD)
103.4 110.3 117.2 124.1 131.0
MARBLE
75.8
ANDESITE
69.0
SANDSTONE
(HARD)
FORMATION
1000
SCHIST (SOFT)
REPRESENTATIVE ROCK COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH in psi / mpa / protodjakonov scales
PSI
L111
V3MO
Varel
Steel Tooth
Bits
L2
L1
LH1
19
U S E F U L O P E R AT I O N A L D ATA
Tips for optimizing drill bit performance
Nozzle Hole Area Chart
Hole Size
in.
mm
Area/1 Hole
Sq. in. mm
Area/3 Holes
2
Sq. in.
mm
2
1/4
6.35
.049
31.62
.147
94.84
9/32
7.14
.062
40.00
.186
120.01
5/16
7.93
.076
49.04
.228
147.11
11/32
8.73
.093
60.00
.279
180.01
3/8
9.52
.110
70.97
.330
219.92
13/32
10.31
.130
83.88
.390
251.63
7/16
11.11
.150
96.78
.450
290.34
15/32
11.90
.172
110.97
.516
332.92
1/2
12.70
.196
126.46
.588
379.38
17/32
13.49
.222
143.23
.666
429.70
9/16
14.28
.248
160.01
.745
480.67
5/8
15.87
.306
197.43
.918
592.29
11/16
17.46
.372
240.01
1.116
720.04
3/4
19.05
.442
285.18
1.326
855.54
7/8
22.22
.601
387.77
1.803
1163.30
1
25.40
.785
506.48
2.355
1519.45
1 1/8
28.57
.993
640.68
2.985
1925.92
1 1/4
31.75
1.228
792.31
3.684
2376.92
Nozzle Size Adjustment
For Vented Cones
Non-vented
nozzle size
(one)
Nozzle size for
vented cones (one)
Bit size
9"
Bit size
9 7/8" - 13 3/4"
1/2"
7/16"
7/16"
9/16"
1/2"
1/2"
5/8"
9/16"
9/16"
11/16"
5/8"
5/8"
3/4" Chart
3/4" Hole Area
Nozzle
11/16"
2. W hen purchasing a new drill specify compressors with adequate
capacity. Don’t forget the altitude factor when sizing the compressor. Often
7,000 to 10,000 linear feet per minute in return air velocity is required to
properly clean the hole, par ticularly with heavier or larger
cuttings.
3. Inspect the rock bit after each hole and record the condition of the rock
bit at regular inter vals.
4. Hot cones may indicate obstruction of the air passage to the bearings.
5. Pressure gage increases may indicate air passages are plugging.
6. An increase in air pressure may indicate unwanted restrictions in the air
system. A decrease in air pressure may indicate leakage in the air
system.
7. Accidental dropping of the bit and drill string can damage bearings and/or
cones.
8. T he I.D. (inside diameter) of the pin and box connections of the drill string
should be the same as or larger than the I.D. of the pin on the rock bit. T his
will reduce the pressure drop loss across the drill string to the lowest
possible psi.
9. A void early bit failures by refraining from using bent drill steel and
excessively worn drill steel, stabilizers, deck bushings or shock subs.
10. When making up the rock bit use slow rotation and ensure that the drill string
and rock bit mate properly shoulder to shoulder. M onitor the process
carefully in order to avoid cross threading.
11. Use proper tool joint lubrication to maintain connections.
12. Use only the minimum amount of water reåquired to suppress the dust.
13. Us e the factor y r ecom m ended weight and r otation s peeds to
accommodate the formations being drilled.
14. Rotary speed should be decreased aås down pressure is increased and
down pressure decreased as rotary speed is increased.
15. Accurate information is valuable knowledge. Always record footage drilled,
time in the hole, rpm, weight on bit, psi, formation drilled and any unusual
drilling conditions. (W ater in the hole, broken formations, etc.)
16. Form drilling process improvement teams with your key suppliers. Establish
improvement goals and measure progress.
Total Drilling Cost
TDC
= B + R
F
P
TDC
= Total dr illing cos t per foot or m eter dr illed
13/16"
13/16"
3/4"
7/8"
7/8"
13/16"
15/16"
15/16"
7/8"
B
= Total bit pr ice
1"
1"
15/16"
R
= O per ating cos t per hour for the dr ill r ig expr es s ed in dollar s per hour
F
= Total life of the r ock bit expr es s ed in either feet or m eter s
P
= P enetr ation r ate of the r ock bit expr es s ed as feet or m eter s per hour
Unique feature at Varel International
are vented cones.
20
1. Keep rotating the bit, and turn on the air before the bit touches the ground,
and keep the air on until the bit is out of the hole. If the bit is to stay in the
hole while adding drill steel, blow the hole clean for 60
seconds prior to turning off the air.
Bits with vented cones have significantly more
air flow through the bearings than standard
bits. T he nozzle size should be reduced in
order to maintain suitable back pressure for
proper cooling and cleaning. T his char t gives
the proper nozzle sizes to use with bits
with vented cones.
U S E F U L O P E R AT I O N A L D ATA
BIT AIR PRESSURE DROP CHART
Bit Size
Range
in.
Full
Air
Course
Diameter
Jet
Nozzle
Diameter
3 Each
mm in.
mm
in.
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1 1/8
12.70
15.87
19.05
22.22
25.40
19.05
22.22
25.40
28.57
15.87
19.05
22.22
25.40
28.57
3/4
7/8
1
10 5/8 270 1 1/8
to
1 3/8
17 1/2 445 1 1/2
2
19.05
22.22
25.40
28.57
34.92
38.10
50.80
5/16
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/8
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
7/16
1/2
9/16
5/8
3/4
7/8
1 1/8
5 3/8 137
to
6 3/4 171
7 3/8 187
to
7 7/8 200
9
229
to
9 7/8 251
Air Pressure Drop (pounds per square inch) Bits with various air course diameters or jet nozzle sizes
Air Volume Delivered
Cubic Feet Per Minute
mm 400 500
600
700
800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2600 2800 3000
45
36
30
26
21
24
65
54
44
36
32
38
30
23
75
64
51
44
37
45
36
29
24
57
45
36
29
22
84
72
60
51
44
52
42
35
29
65
53
42
35
28
28
21
33
26
22
7.93
9.52
11.11
12.70
14.28
11.11
12.70
14.28
15.87
9.52
11.11
12.70
14.28
15.87
19.05
11.11
12.70
14.28
15.87
19.05
22.22
28.57
29
22
55
46
37
32
26
31
24
39
30
24
49
38
30
23
22
81
68
57
50
58
48
40
34
73
61
48
41
35
22
38
30
26
22
76
64
54
66
54
46
39
80
68
56
46
39
25
44
36
30
25
82
70
59
72
62
52
44
75
63
52
44
29
49
41
34
28
76
65
78
70
58
50
82
69
57
49
34
55
46
37
30
22
82
70
84
79
64
55
76
82
87
70
60
76
65
83
71
74
62
52
39
61
50
41
34
25
20
80
67
56
43
66
55
45
37
28
22
71
61
46
72
59
49
41
31
24
76
65
50
78
63
53
45
34
26
76
82
81
69
53
73
57
77
60
81
64
68
58
49
37
28
73
62
52
40
30
78
66
56
43
31
70
60
45
33
67
71
74
78
82
75
64
48
36
20
67
51
38
22
71
54
40
28
75
57
43
30
60
45
30
64
47
32
68
50
34
In addition to adequate r etur n air velocities , the pr es s ur e dr op acr os s the bit m us t be contr olled to obtain the optim um
bear ing life. P r es s ur e dr op acr os s the bit s hould be m aintained in exces s of 30 ps i. T wo (2) to ten (10) ps i s hould be
added for los s es in the s ys tem ahead of the bit. F or optim um bit life nozzles s hould be s elected to hold pr es s ur e near the
m axim um allowable on the com pr es s or.
Helpful Hole Cleaning Information
F or the m os t effective hole cleaning a m inim um bailing velocity of 6000 feet per m inute is cons ider ed des ir able.
T his volum e is calculated for the m os t com m on bit and pipe s izes . F or dens e m ater ials , this volum e s hould be
incr eas ed in or der to yield optim um cleaning efficiency.
T he s im ple for m ula Q =A V can be applied to deter m ine the volum e flow of air (Q ) neces s ar y to give the des ir ed velocity
(V ). (A ) is the ar ea of the hole thr ough which the cuttings -laden air flows . T his ar ea is the ar ea of the hole les s the
ar ea filled by the dr ill pipe.
Bailing velocity
BV
=
BV
=
ACFM =
183.3 =
D
=
d
=
(inches )
183.3 x ACFM
D 2 _ d2
B ailing velocity(feet per m inute)
A ctual cubic feet of fr ee air per m inute deliver ed
F actor for conver s ion
D iam eter of the hole being dr illed. (inches )
O uts ide diam eter of the dr ill pipe being utilized.
21
SALES
OFFICES
WORLDWIDE:
VAREL INTERNATIONAL
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
1625 W es t C r os by, S uite 124, C ar r ollton, Texas
75006 U.S .A .
M ailing addr es s :
P.O . B ox 540157, D allas , Texas 75354-0157
P hone:+1-800-827-3526 / +1-972-242-1160
F ax: +1-972-242-8770
E m ail: cus tom er s er vice@var elintl.com
W atts : 1-800-V A R E L C O (827-3526)
MEXICO
V A R E L D E M E X IC O , S .A D E C .V.
3a. Y M ichoacan # 310 S ur
F r accionam iento M oder no,
H. M atam or os
T am aulipas , M exico
C .P. 87380
P hone: +52-868-8170467
F ax:
+52-868-8172106
E m ail: JS ar achaga@V ar elintl.com
SOUTH AMERICA
V A R E L IN T E R N A T IO N A L Ind. L .P. S ucur s al del P er u
L as P oncianas 105/107, L a M olina V ieja
L im a 12, P er u
P hones :+51-1-365-2529 / 365-5178
F ax:
+51-1-365-8305
C ellular : +51-1-9999-60283-989 164305-989 164302
E m ail: S er vicioalcliente@V ar elintl.com
E m ail: V C obena@V ar elintl.com
7234 - 012011- web
ASIA-PACIFIC
V A R E L IN T E R N A T IO N A L (A us tr alia P ty L td)
R is eley C or por ate C entr e
S uite 31, 135, R is eley S tr eet
B oor agoon, W A 6154
A us tr alia.
P hone: +61-8-9315-9999
F ax:
+61-8-9315-9800
E m ail: var elaus tr alia@var elintl.com
V is it us at WWW.VARELINTL.COM