Cutting & Wear

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6 November 2009

R & D in action

We frequently talk about our on-going R&D programme, which has been a fundamental contributor to the company's success over the last 40 years. In previous issues of Cutting Edge we have featured progress on these projects, which encompasses not only new products, but also services and applications. This month we report further progress on two projects.

1. 3-point micrometer

Aimed at manufactures and service companies, although not limited to these sectors, our new 3-point micrometers enable direct measurement reading of stabilizers and similar tri-bladed equipment. The micrometers provide fast, accurate measurement of diameters and bring an end to the use of awkward ring and feeler gauges. With Tungsten Carbide anvils and lightweight frames they are easy to use and eliminate the need to hoist up one end of the item to be measured.

Initially, the standard sizes available will be: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10, 12-13 and 17-18 in imperial 1-inch range. Metric and alternative sizes can be provided by special request. The new micrometers come in a carrying case and will be supplied with a calibration certificate, plus setting rod that allows quick confirmation of calibration.

2. Hardfacing Wear Test Rig

of abrasion and impact typically encountered during rock drilling. Existing wear rigs have been able to  simulate abrasion or impact, but not both.

The commissioning of the Wear Test Rig and Materials Preparation Laboratory mean that we now have a
comprehensive testing facility able to measure the performance of hardfacing materials in a controlled laboratory environment which replicates the in-field conditions experienced by drill string components. Electronic instrumentation continuously monitors the performance of the Wear Rig and provides detailed reports on the wear characteristics of the materials being tested.The Wear Test Rig will speed up our development of new products, giving customers further confidence that, having been proven in realistic test conditions, they will perform exactly as designed once they are in the hole. The Wear Test Rig will also be available for rental to other companies as a stand-alone service.

In-field testing of new drilling equipment is time-consuming and extremely expensive, but to date the ability to perform detailed off-line wear tests has been limited, which is why the new Cutting & Wear rig is such a breakthrough for the industry. Our rig has been jointly developed within the framework of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, with support from the University of Sheffield's Engineering Materials Department Surface Engineering Group (SEG). KTPs are part of a regional ‘Capacity Building'
programme sponsored by Yorkshire Forward, one of the UK's Regional Development Agencies.