Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is introducing the new Sandvik RR340 single seal roller bearing rotary drill bit in an effort to, it says, boost service life and lower drilling costs.
Sandvik’s rotary bit offering has consisted of the standard air bearing bit Sandvik RR240 and the ultra-premium Charger™ RR440 and RR450 bits. The Sandvik RR340, a premium single seal roller bearing bit, now completes the company’s rotary offering. Its single seal roller bearing technology and optional PowerCarbide® inserts ensure reliable and efficient drilling with 45% longer service life compared with standard products, the company says. More bearing hours mean fewer bit changes and an added sustainability benefit, with reduced risk exposure and environmental impact from production and shipping, it added.
“[The] Sandvik RR340 rounds out our offering within rotary bits, ensuring that customers in all segments and applications can find the ideal choice for their operation,” Sandra Arman, Product Manager Rotary Bits at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Rock Tools Division, said. “Field tests have demonstrated significant cost savings potential. Compared to equivalent standard air bearing bits, a typical surface mine drilling 1.5 million meters per year could expect to save more than $800,000 annually with Sandvik RR340. This is truly the single seal effect.”
Some of the technology that provides the Sandvik RR340 single seal bit with its longevity includes an abrasion-resistant radial seal. Its shape delivers extended bearing hours and greater reliability compared with conventional seals, according to the company. In addition, the Sandvik RR340 features a low friction bearing, which minimises friction and heat generation, which can otherwise cause wear and reduce efficiency.
“There is significant research and development that lies beneath the surface of Sandvik RR340, with several cutting-edge design and material innovations,” Arman said.
The Sandvik RR340 is currently available in sizes ranging from 6.75 in (171 mm) to 12.25 in (311 mm).