Application of the response-surface method and CFD simulations in the matching optimization of spiral sealing for a high-speed cone bit. (3rd October 2021) - Zhou, Yi
ABSTRACT: The cone bit is an important rock-breaking tool in oil and gas mining. Sealing plays a crucial role in determining the high rotational speed and service life of the bit. The traditional seal structure is passive and wears out rapidly. Under the high-speed rotation of the drill, it has a short sealing service life. This paper describes a spiral-seal active sand discharge structure that incorporates a new type of sealing for the cone bit. Because traditional matching optimization methods are not suitable for this type of sealing, the response-surface method (RSM) was applied to optimize the spiral seal structure for a high-speed cone bit. The optimization significantly improved the service life of the bit. The working conditions and the effect of the spiral-seal structure were studied through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that revealed the sealing mechanism of this structure. Additionally, the RSM was used to perform matching and optimization of the spiral-seal structure for a high-speed cone bit and to study the dependence of the spiral structure parameters on the sand discharge performance at different rotation speeds. This not only provides more accurate theoretical data for actual production, but also provides a means to optimize other mechanical structures.