1
24-015
Case Study: Improved Bit Life Utilizing Advanced Cryogenics in
Drilling and Blasting
Evan Thibaud
Pneu Wave Consulting Inc.
Jenna Wundrack
Conco Quarries
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The advanced cryogenic treatment is a post-manufactur-
ing metallurgical process that involves subjecting off-the-
shelf materials to extremely low temperatures, significantly
improving wear resistance and reliability. These case studies
explore whether the claims of Enrich Bits &Tools benefit
metals and their specific in-field application to drill bits in
the blasting industry.
This paper reviews the application of the treatment to
button drill bits for enhanced wear resistance in two opera-
tions. The first is a civil construction project with highly
abrasive rock. To confirm the remarkable benefits of the
treatment, a second case study was performed. This case
study utilized measure-while-drilling technology in con-
sistent rock characteristics to reduce variables in the field
study.
Case Study 1
Conducted under a driller with 25 years of experience, the
project location was chosen as the worst-case scenario for
this client located on the most abrasive geology for any of
the client’s current operational sites, the OG Gasconade
Dolomite Formation was completed over a 7-month.
A 165% increase in bit life was measured at the final
borehole footage of 12,999 feet. An untreated bit from
the same manufacturer resulted in 4,907 borehole feet.
Resulting in 2.65× bit life.
Case Study 2
Utilizing a measure-while-drilling system in an 80-day-
long study of drill bit production rates, the second case
study was performed by a different client where the project
owner tested drill bits treated with Enrich Bits &Tools’
advanced cryogenic process. This second case study was to
obtain consistent data on factors that can affect bit life such
as feed pressure, rotation pressure, and the LA abrasion
factor of the rock. The comparison was completed in case
study 2 at the quarry property with uniform limestone and
confirmed by the measure-while-drilling system. The bits
were compared to the average production rates.
A detailed investigation of the production rates of the
treated bits produced 48,807 borehole feet over a time
frame of 208 operating hours. The untreated bits from the
same manufacturer produced 31,282 borehole feet over
192 hours. The parameters of the drill were consistent
throughout the test. All bits were tested in the Burlington
Limestone Geologic Formation. Results showed a remark-
able 1.5× bit life or 55% increase in drill bit reliability.
INTRODUCTION
Drill bits and their production rates are often closely stud-
ied in civil explosives, mining production, and quarry
applications. The efficiency and lifespan of these critical
tools largely depend on their wear resistance and durabil-
ity. Over the years, the introduction of cryogenic treatment
24-015
Case Study: Improved Bit Life Utilizing Advanced Cryogenics in
Drilling and Blasting
Evan Thibaud
Pneu Wave Consulting Inc.
Jenna Wundrack
Conco Quarries
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The advanced cryogenic treatment is a post-manufactur-
ing metallurgical process that involves subjecting off-the-
shelf materials to extremely low temperatures, significantly
improving wear resistance and reliability. These case studies
explore whether the claims of Enrich Bits &Tools benefit
metals and their specific in-field application to drill bits in
the blasting industry.
This paper reviews the application of the treatment to
button drill bits for enhanced wear resistance in two opera-
tions. The first is a civil construction project with highly
abrasive rock. To confirm the remarkable benefits of the
treatment, a second case study was performed. This case
study utilized measure-while-drilling technology in con-
sistent rock characteristics to reduce variables in the field
study.
Case Study 1
Conducted under a driller with 25 years of experience, the
project location was chosen as the worst-case scenario for
this client located on the most abrasive geology for any of
the client’s current operational sites, the OG Gasconade
Dolomite Formation was completed over a 7-month.
A 165% increase in bit life was measured at the final
borehole footage of 12,999 feet. An untreated bit from
the same manufacturer resulted in 4,907 borehole feet.
Resulting in 2.65× bit life.
Case Study 2
Utilizing a measure-while-drilling system in an 80-day-
long study of drill bit production rates, the second case
study was performed by a different client where the project
owner tested drill bits treated with Enrich Bits &Tools’
advanced cryogenic process. This second case study was to
obtain consistent data on factors that can affect bit life such
as feed pressure, rotation pressure, and the LA abrasion
factor of the rock. The comparison was completed in case
study 2 at the quarry property with uniform limestone and
confirmed by the measure-while-drilling system. The bits
were compared to the average production rates.
A detailed investigation of the production rates of the
treated bits produced 48,807 borehole feet over a time
frame of 208 operating hours. The untreated bits from the
same manufacturer produced 31,282 borehole feet over
192 hours. The parameters of the drill were consistent
throughout the test. All bits were tested in the Burlington
Limestone Geologic Formation. Results showed a remark-
able 1.5× bit life or 55% increase in drill bit reliability.
INTRODUCTION
Drill bits and their production rates are often closely stud-
ied in civil explosives, mining production, and quarry
applications. The efficiency and lifespan of these critical
tools largely depend on their wear resistance and durabil-
ity. Over the years, the introduction of cryogenic treatment