DOI: 10.52150/2522-9117-2025-39-22
O. A. Pashchenko1, Ph. D. (Tech.), Assoc. Prof., ORCID 0000-0003-3296-996X
S. P. Minieiev2, D. Sc. (Tech.), Prof., ORCID 0000-0002-4594-0915
V. Y. Antonchyk2,*, ORCID 0000-0002-4161-9112
V. F. Hankevych2, Ph. D. (Tech.), Assoc. Prof., ORCID 0000-0002-8535-6318
V. I. Kiba1, Ph. D. (Tech.), Assoc. Prof., ORCID 0000-0003-3033-6106
N. A. Kaluhina2, D. Sc. (Tech.), Prof., ORCID 0000-0003-2994-5449
1 Dnipro University of Technology, Dmytra Yavornytskoho Avenue, 19, Dnipro, 49005, Ukraine
2 M.S. Polyakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the NAS of Ukraine, Simferopolska St., 2a, Dnipro, 49005, Ukraine
* Corresponding author: vladimir.antonchik1958@gmail.com
WAYS TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MINING MACHINES BY IMPROVING THE BEARING COOLING SYSTEMS OF ROLLER CONE BITS
Abstract. The article addresses the problem of increasing the productivity of mining machines by improving the cooling system for the bearings of roller cone bits, which are used for drilling boreholes in hard and extremely hard rocks. In Ukraine, where coal reserves amount to 117.5 billion tons, extraction is complicated by difficult geological conditions, including mine depths of up to 1446 meters and gas-hazardous seams. Rapid bearing wear due to insufficient cooling and lubrication leads to frequent repairs (up to 40% of mechanized complexes are under repair), reduced productivity, and increased extraction costs. The article analyzes known solutions, such as devices for flushing and lubricating bearings, which have drawbacks: intermittent cooling, excessive lubricant consumption, contamination of rock cuttings, and design complexity. A new cooling system for a six-roller cone bit is proposed, which ensures direct supply of water-lubricating emulsion to the bearings through capillary tubes, isolating it from the borehole flushing channels. Experimental tests showed a reduction in bearing temperature from 150-200°C to 60-80°C, a 50-70% reduction in wear, an increase in bit life from 100-300 to 400-600 meters of penetration, and a 20-30% increase in drilling rate. This reduces the risk of accidents, such as tool sticking and rock collapses, by 80-90% by eliminating sludge buildup. The economic benefit is achieved by reducing drilling costs by 20-30% and lubricant costs by 30-40%. The reliability of mining machines increases due to extended bearing life and reduced downtime. Implementation of the system is recommended for drilling rigs like SBSh, SBR, SBU, along with the use of protective methods (heat treatment, coatings) and personnel training to prevent accidents. Future prospects include application in deep mines of Ukraine, development of automated cooling systems, integration with technologies for producing liquid fuel from coal, and the export of competitive equipment after modernizing factories. This solution contributes to reducing the cost of coal and ore extraction, enhancing energy security, and improving the competitiveness of the Ukrainian mining industry.
Key words: roller cone bit, bearing cooling, mining machines, borehole drilling, bearing wear, water-lubricating emulsion, drilling rate, extraction cost, hard rocks.
For citation: Pashchenko, O. A., Minieiev, S. P., Antonchyk, V. Y., Hankevych, V. F., Kiba, V. I., & Kaluhina N. A. (2025). Ways to increase the productivity of mining machines by improving the bearing cooling systems of roller cone bits.Fundamental and applied problems of ferrous metallurgy, 39, 347-360. https://doi.org/10.52150/2522-9117-2025-39-22
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Received 01.08.2025
Accepted 21.10.2025
Published online 01.12.2025
