Extending Tool Life and Reducing Downtime in Hard Rock Rotary Drilling

APIE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT supplied its high-performance B47K22 Carbide Bullet Teeth to a major foundation drilling contractor operating in Southeast Asia. The contractor faced frequent tool failure and excessive downtime while working in projects with complex, mixed geology containing highly abrasive rock layers. Switching to APIE's bullet teeth resulted in a 40% increase in tool lifespan and a significant reduction in machine idle time, translating to substantial cost savings and more predictable project scheduling.

Client Profile & Challenge

The client is a regional leader in bored piling for high-rise and infrastructure projects. Their primary challenge was the rapid wear and premature failure of standard bullet teeth used on their rotary drilling rigs' rock buckets and core barrels. The abrasive conditions of medium weathered rock and bedrock layers led to frequent stoppages for tooth replacement, driving up costs and causing project delays.

APIE Solution: B47K22 Carbide Bullet Teeth

APIE provided a tailored solution with its B47K22 model bullet teeth, specifically engineered for high-impact, abrasive environments. The solution's key features include:

• Superior Material Composition: Each tooth combines a 42CrMo alloy steel body for high structural integrity and toughness with a large-grain tungsten carbide insert for exceptional wear resistance and impact resistance.

• Advanced Manufacturing Process: The teeth are produced using a forging and welding process. A specialized brazing technique ensures the carbide tip is securely bonded to the steel body, preventing premature脱落 (falling off) under extreme stress.

• Enhanced Shank Protection: The shank reinforcement through technologies like laser cladding protects the most vulnerable part of the tooth, dramatically reducing the wear rate and extending overall service life.

Results & Benefits

After a three-month trial on multiple rigs, the client reported measurable improvements:

• Increased Durability: The B47K22 carbide bullet teeth lasted 40% longer than their previous brand in identical ground conditions, reducing the frequency of replacements.

• Reduced Operational Costs: The extended tool life lowered the cost per drilled meter. Reduced downtime for changes also improved overall equipment utilization and project flow.

• Consistent Performance: The teeth maintained their cutting efficiency throughout their lifespan, ensuring steady drilling progress without a drop in penetration rates in hard layers.

• Versatile Application: The teeth performed reliably across various equipment, including drilling buckets, augers, and core barrels, proving their adaptability

Technical Specifications at a Glance