Effecticus.

Excellenticus.
Environmenticus.
Epsilon2 – Next Level Rotary Drill Bit
 Three clever cones
It’s all about flow. Getting your rig to work as fast and
smoothly as possible – without unplanned stops.

Miners want to drill uninterruptedly, nothing else. That’s

how you become profitable. It’s also how your operation
becomes as gentle as possible on people and the
environment.

At Epiroc, we know what has bothered miners

for long. Bits getting stuck deep down below
ground. Inserts wearing out prematurely.
Bearings corroding due to moisture.

We decided to do something about it.

We went back to the drawing board
and asked our engineers to fix these
problems.

They came up with a set of truly clever

features. Brand new functions that we
had some of our customers test in real
and demanding conditions.

Like Torrent AWS and Tornado.

They’ll blow you away.

Did you know that...

The new Epsilon2 comes with
three patented features that make
other tricone air bearing bits seem
obsolete: Tornado vectored precision
air bearing, Torrent AWS (air-water
separator) and Nozzle optimization
system (NOPS).

2
Excellenticus
Premium quality
For us at Epiroc, being your first choice is what counts. We know the
importance of premium bit quality to minimize total drilling cost
(TDC). The better the bit, the higher your profit – simple as that!
We spend considerable resources on R&D, including extensive
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. Not for show,
but to boost drilling performance. Like with Epsilon2, where
our customers' tests show up to 61 percent longer distance
drilled before bit discard compared to a standard tricone
air bearing bit. Quality pays off and it will show on your
bottom line.

Effecticus
Boosting profitability
Bearing failure is a common problem with air bearing
bits. Either the bearing inside each cone becomes too
hot due to friction, or it corrodes due to intrusion of damp
from water injection for dust suppression. Not anymore. We
developed new and patented features that cool bearings
more efficiently, using almost completely dry air – thus
solving both problems. As a result, we managed to increase
bearing air flow by 60 percent and reduce cone erosion by 59
percent – doubling bearing life. Add more effective cleaning
of the rock face, and you are looking at significantly faster
penetration rates and longer life of the cutting structure.

Environmenticus
Reducing climate impact
At Epiroc, we are attentive to the demands of a changing
world, and we are determined to grow our business
safely and sustainably. Continuously reducing climate
impact – our own as well as our customers’ – is a key
focus area for us. This quest characterizes every part of
our business – from pushing the frontline of fossil-free
electric drilling rigs to developing smart air bearing bits
such as Epsilon2. Because a bit that offers uninterrupted
operation and extended service life means fewer products
manufactured, less outtake of raw materials and reduced
transportation.

3
 What first meets the
eye is impressive...
A quick glance at the exterior of Epsilon2 is enough to spot several high-quality features. We
re-designed our previous Epsilon bit with the most durable materials available in the market.
We also added online capabilities, making Epsilon2 the first air bearing bit prepared for
tomorrow’s connected mining operations.

Different insert configurations

Epsilon2 comes in many varieties, ranging in
diameter from 6-3/4 to 16 inches (171 to 406
mm), and with different insert configurations
(cutting structures) for soft, medium, hard and
very hard rock types.

Stronger. Tougher. Harder. Enduro.

Enduro carbide inserts last longer. They are
more wear resistant, therefore keeping their
original shape and sharpness longer. They are
also tougher, so they won’t break as easily,
even under severe drilling conditions of
broken rock or at high rotational speeds.

4
Strongest steel ever
We put our metallurgists to work with a simple request –
invent the most durable steel we’ve ever used in a drill bit
(and our history dates back to 1873...). They got back to us
with a new alloy of outstanding wear resistance and fatigue
strength. Lug and cone material improvements mean a
stronger, longer lasting structure.
Prepared for connectivity
Automation. Autonomous drilling. Inventory
control. These are all new areas of any mining
or construction enterprise. We online-enabled
Epsilon2, so it comes prepared to be scanned
into your inventory and tracked throughout
its life.

Standardized threads
Epsilon2 comes with standardized API or BECO threads for
easy integration with your existing drill string equipment.

5
 ...and more treasures
are hidden inside
Opening up Epsilon2 exposes some very special features, set to revolutionize air bearing bit
technology. Patented Torrent AWS (air-water separator) and Tornado combine to eliminate a
common cause of drilling stoppage – bearing failure – while NOPS helps to extend bit life and
distance drilled before bit discard.

Keeping bearings cool – Tornado

Tornado, or the Vectored precision Tornado bearing airflow design,
directs air to the load side of the bearings, thus improving cooling
performance and increasing bearing life.
Keeping bearings cool and clean is a constant problem with tricone bits.
We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to effectively
distribute the compressed air delivered to the bearings. This way, we
were able to improve the cooling effect of the air on the frictional heat
generated by continuously rolling elements supporting tons of load.
Previous designs almost immediately exhausted the air from the bearing
through the exhaust ports, before it had the chance to cool the load side
of the bearing (which is by far the hottest). Excessive heat would then
deteriorate the bearing’s surfaces, reducing its life. With Tornado, we
devised a different path for the air through the bearing by optimizing the
location of the exhaust ports and exhaust pathways inside the bearing.

6
Reducing bearing corrosion – Torrent Fastest cuttings evacuation – NOPS
AWS Nozzle optimization (NOPS) helps to evacuate cuttings 50
percent faster, reducing cone erosion by up to 60 percent.
Torrent AWS efficiently prevents moisture from water injected
for dust suppression from entering the bearings. NOPS, a patent licensed from Baker Hughes, optimizes the
direction of the nozzles used for water injection. This helps to
The dust generated by blasthole drilling in rock often contains
remove cuttings and clean the rock face more efficiently, thereby
high levels of silica, a direct contributor to silicosis. Torrent AWS
increasing the rate of penetration (ROP) and extending the life of
allows for water to be injected to suppress the dust and control
the bit's cutting structure.
fugitive dust in the environment, while reducing the exposure of
water to the bearings. NOPS cleans the bottom of the hole by targeting critical areas and
making a smoother evacuation of the cuttings, while cleaning the
Torrent AWS channels dry air through the bearings, while allowing
cutting structure. This reduces tooling wear, extends bit life and
the remaining saturated air mixture to flow through the nozzles.
reduces cost.
The air-water mixture going to the bearings has to pass through
two vertical 180 degree turns, which water struggles to do,
separating 95 percent or more of the water – increasing bearing
life by up to 100 percent.

7
 A closer look at our paten
Here you can have a closer look at the design of Tornado, Torrent AWS and NOPS.

3
2

Tornado Torrent AWS

1 Dry and clean air is injected into the bearing of 1 Flanges on the airtub
each cone. from the bearing coo
2 Optimized location of exhaust ports and 2 The air-water mixtur
pathways channels more air over the hot load turns, which water ca
side. moisture from the ai
3 The bearing is kept cooler, reducing wear of the 3 The moisture conten
surfaces – extending bit life. enters the bearing.

8
nted features

NOPS
bes separate most of the water 1 The direction of the nozzles is optimized using CFD
oling air. analysis.
re has to make two 180 degree 2 Three jets of saturated air mixture efficiently remove
annot make – separating more cuttings and clean the rock face.
ir. 3 The average time for cuttings to clear the bit sub is
nt is less than 5 percent as the air reduced by 50 percent.

9
 Unbeatable
drill string
Every part of the drill string must perform optimally. That’s why we pay equal attention to shock
absorbers, pipes and drill bits. For you, it means that you can get a complete, unbeatable special alloy
drill string from a single supplier: Epiroc.

Each component is important The primary purpose of the drill string is to transmit the
rotational torque and weight from the rotary head power
When developing a rotary drilling system, most of the attention
source to the rock breaking drill bit.
is given to the drill rig – the capital equipment that requires
significant investment and hence a planned payback. As in every rock drilling method, the power must be
transmitted as efficiently as possible, and return as few
The second priority in the system tends to be choice of rotary
vibrations as possible, as these cause unnecessary wear on the
tricone drill bit. However, to utilize the full power and capacity
drill rig and reduce penetration rates.
of the rig and the bit, and at the same time increase service life
and productivity, serious consideration must be given to each
component in the drill string.

The drill string’s primary purpose

10
Shock absorber
Located closest to the rig, at
the top of the drill string, the
shock absorber effectively
absorbs damaging
vibrations from the bit.

Top thread saver sub

The top thread saver sub
reduces wear on the threads
of the shock absorber and
drill pipes.

Drill pipes
Drill pipes must be stiff to
drill straight holes, tough
not to break if bent, have
high fatigue strength and be
wear resistant to offer a long
service life.

Bit sub
The last part before the tricone
drill bit is a bit sub (sub-
adaptor), or a roller stabilizer,
whose purpose is to stabilize
the hole and optimize drilling
performance.

Epsilon2 drill bit

The new Epsilon2 rotary drill
Rotary deck bushing bit is the crown jewel of the
The rotary deck bushing drill string, boosting service
centralizes the drill string as life and rate of penetration
it passes through the deck (ROP) to new levels.
of the drill rig.

11
 1 500

1 000

500

Proven performance
0
Zinkgruvan
BA 87
Sweden
Zinkgruvan
BA 91
Sweden
B Penon
Chile
North Mine
Canada
Fraser Mine
Canada
Golden Grove
Austratia
Orivesi
Finland
Laisvall
Sweden

Epsilon2 has been put to the test in numerous drill tests. Before launch, we tested hundreds of bits across the globe
in collaboration with selected customers. The tests were made independently and offer strong evidence of the
new bit’s superior performance. See for yourself!

Drill meters

61%
Epsilon2 avg Standard bit avg
13000
Up to
12300

12000

11000

10000
9200

more drill meters on average

9000

8000 7776
7385

7000
6000
6000

5000

4000 3959
3526

3000
2330 2348

2000 1960
1427 1564
1202 1262
1000

0
Canada
*
Copper mine
USA 1
Iron ore mine
Chile 1
Copper mine
Chile 2
Copper mine
USA 2
Coal mine
Indonesia 1
Coal mine
Indonesia 2
Coal mine

Test results show that Epsilon2 provides up to 61 percent more drill meters on average before discard than a standard bit.
The chart shows the location of the sites used for testing.

* Average of six measurements, the highest of which was a 42 percent improvement as shown in the test case on page 13.

200

175

Up to Up to

20.5% faster
42%
longer
150

penetration rate distance drilled

100

12
180 m
3 000

2 500 Drill meters

61%
Epsilon2 avg Standard bit
13000
Up to
12300
2 000
12000

1 500
Two test cases 11000

10000
1 000 9200

more drill meters on average

9000
500 So how did we test Epsilon ? Here we present
8000
two of our test
2
cases, including rig model, bit dimension and 7776

performance data.
7385

0 7000
Zinkgruvan Zinkgruvan B Penon North Mine Fraser Mine Golden Grove Orivesi Laisvall 6000
BA 87 BA 91 Chile Canada Canada 6000 Austratia Finland Sweden
Sweden Sweden
5000

Canada USA
4000 3959
3526

3000
2330 2348

2000 1960
1427 1564
1202 1262
1000
Drill meters
Site characteristics Site characteristics

61%
A conventional open pit, truck Epsilon2 avg Standard
was bit avg in different Appalachian coal mines, allowing us to
Up toand shovel operation. The0mine hasCanada USA 1
Testing made
Chile 1 Chile 2 USA 2
13000
a 40 kiloton per day plant that utilizes a conventional crushing,Copper mine Iron ore mineget feedback from several
Copper mine
12300 Coppercustomers.
mine The geological Indonesia
Coal mine and 1 Indonesia 2
operational
Coal mine Coal mine
12000 grinding and flotation circuit to produce copper concentrates, with conditions in the mountainous region are highly varied. Despite
silver and gold credits. these differences – and other large variations such as a mix of old and
11000 newer rigs and different bench patterns – customers request to use
10000
only one robust, universal bit.
Method 9200

more
designsdrill meters on average
9000
Various were tested with variations in the Epsilon feature, 2

8000 including nozzle position, air-water separation and Enduro premium 7776
Method
7385

7000
carbide inserts. Six test sets were made to measure distance drilled Numerous Epsilon2 tests were made, using mainly mid-range DML
and penetration rate improvements compared to a standard bit. and DM-45 drill rigs. As one of the most commonly used dimensions
6000
6000 in the region, the 6-3/4 inch Epsilon2 bit was selected for testing and
comparison with a standard air bearing bit.
5000
175
Equipment
4000 3959
– Drill rig: Epiroc Pit Viper 351 3526
Up to Equipment Up to

20.5% 42%
3000 – Speed: 65–75 rpm
2330 2348
– Drill rig: Epiroc DML and DM-45
2000 – Airflow: 3,040 CFM1564 (5,164 m3/h) 1960 150
1427
1202 1262 – Drill bit: Epsilon2 tricone bit, 6-3/4 inches (171 mm)
1000 – Pressure: 72 psig (5 bar)
– Drill bit: Epsilon2 tricone bit, 10-5/8 inches (270 mm) faster longer
0 penetration rate distance drilled
Canada USA 1 Chile 1 Chile 2 USA 2 Indonesia 1 Indonesia 2
Copper mine Iron ore mine Copper mine Copper mine Coal mine Coal mine Coal mine

Results
Results
Rate of penetration: up to 20.5 percent faster Distance drilled:
Distance drilled: up to 42 percent longer Standard bit: up to 11,569 feet (3,526 meters)
Epsilon2: up to 24,230 feet (7,385 meters)

180 m 200

175

20%
Up to Up to Up to

20.5% faster
42% longer
150

longer
150
109% longer
75

penetration rate distance drilled grinding interval distance drilled

100

The rate of penetration was The distance drilled was up to The average distance drilled was up to 109 percent longer with
up to 20.5 percent faster with 42 percent longer with Epsilon2 Epsilon2 than with a standard tricone air bearing bit design.
Epsilon2 than with a standard than with a standard tricone
tricone bit. bit.

180 m

20%
Up to

150

longer
109% longer
grinding interval distance drilled
13
Easy selection
We made it as easy as possible for you to select the right Epsilon2 bit for each drilling operation. The
bits are divided into only four categories based on the strength of the rock where they will be used. The
Epsilon2 diameter range is from 6-3/4 inches (171 mm) to 16 inches (406 mm), and the IADC code range is
from 412 to 722.

Rock strength Rock strength

0–8,000 UCS / SOFT 6,000–28,000 UCS / MEDIUM

Bit diameter IADC code Bit diameter IADC code
41E2 43E2 44E2 52E2 53E2 54E2

6-3/4" (171 mm) 6-3/4" (171 mm) 5697000054

7-7/8" (200 mm) 7-7/8" (200 mm) 5697000038 5697000039

9" (229 mm) 5697000042 9" (229 mm) 5697000043

9-7/8" (251 mm) 5697000046 9-7/8" (251 mm) 5697000047

10-5/8" (270 mm) 5697000010 10-5/8" (270 mm) 5697000028 5697000013

5697000030b
12-1/4" (311 mm) 12-1/4" (311 mm) 5697000029
5697000031

13-3/4" (349 mm) 13-3/4" (349 mm)

16" (406 mm) 16" (406 mm)

Rock strength Rock strength

24,000–46,000 UCS / HARD 38,000+ UCS / VERY HARD

Bit diameter IADC code Bit diameter IADC code
62E2 63E2 64E2 71E2 72E2

6-3/4" (171 mm) 5697000037 6-3/4" (171 mm)

7-7/8" (200 mm) 5697000040 5697000041 7-7/8" (200 mm)

9" (229 mm) 5697000044 5697000045 9" (229 mm)

9-7/8" (251 mm) 5697000048 5697000049 9-7/8" (251 mm)

10-5/8" (270 mm) 5697000025 5697000026 5697000027 10-5/8" (270 mm)

5697000034b
12-1/4" (311 mm) 5697000032 12-1/4" (311 mm) 5697000035b
5697000033

13-3/4" (349 mm) 5697000036b 13-3/4" (349 mm)

16" (406 mm) 16" (406 mm) 5697000053b

14 b = BECO
Nozzles diameter
Based on bit diameter and compressor rating.

Target bit PSI: 45 Assume: 3,000 feet elevation, 70oF (21oC) intake air temp, 120oF (49oC) delivered air temp
Bit diameter Air compressor rating, iCFM

1000 1250 1400 1600 1900 2600 3000 3800

6-3/4" (171 mm) 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 - - -

7-7/8" (200 mm) 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 - - -

8-1/2" (216 mm) 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 9/16 13/16 - -

9" (229 mm) 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 9/16 5/8 3/4 15/16

9-7/8" (251 mm) 3/16 5/16 5/16 7/16 1/2 9/16 11/16 15/16

10-5/8" (270 mm) 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2 9/16 11/16 7/8

12-1/4" (311 mm) 1/8 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 7/8

13-3/4" (349 mm) 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 7/16 1/2 5/8 13/16

15" (381 mm) 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 7/16 1/2 5/8 13/16

16" (406 mm) 1/16 3/16 3/16 5/16 3/8 7/16 9/16 13/16

Target bit PSI: 60

1000 1250 1400 1600 1900 2600 3000 3800

6-3/4" (171 mm) 2/8 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 11/16 13/16 1-1/16

7-7/8" (200 mm) 3/16 5/16 5/16 3/8 1/2 11/16 13/16 1

8-1/2" (216 mm) 3/16 1/4 5/16 5/16 7/16 5/8 3/4 15/16

9" (229 mm) 3/16 1/4 5/16 5/16 7/16 5/8 3/4 15/16

9-7/8" (251 mm) - 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 9/16 11/16 15/16

10-5/8" (270 mm) - 3/16 3/16 1/4 5/16 9/16 11/16 7/8

12-1/4" (311 mm) - - 3/16 1/4 5/16 1/2 5/8 7/8

13-3/4" (349 mm) - - 3/16 3/16 5/16 1/2 5/8 13/16

15" (381 mm) - - - 3/16 5/16 1/2 5/8 13/16

16" (406 mm) - - - 3/16 1/4 7/16 9/16 13/16

Target bit PSI: 45 Assume: 10,000 feet elevation, 60oF (16oC) intake air temp, 120oF (49oC) delivered air temp
Bit diameter Air compressor rating, iCFM

1000 1250 1400 1600 1900 2600 3000 3800

6-3/4" (171 mm) 1/4 5/16 3/8 3/8 1/2 - - -

7-7/8" (200 mm) 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 - - -

8-1/2" (216 mm) 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16 7/16 5/8 - -

9" (229 mm) 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16 7/16 10/16 3/4 15/16

9-7/8" (251 mm) 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 9/16 11/16 7/8

10-5/8" (270 mm) 1/16 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 1/2 5/8 7/8

12-1/4" (311 mm) 1/16 1/8 3/16 1/4 5/16 1/2 5/8 7/8

13-3/4" (349 mm) 1/16 1/8 1/8 3/16 5/16 1/2 5/8 13/16

15" (381 mm) 0 1/16 1/8 3/16 1/4 7/16 9/16 13/16

16" (406 mm) 0 1/16 1/8 3/16 1/4 7/16 9/16 3/4

Target bit PSI: 60

1000 1250 1400 1600 1900 2600 3000 3800

6-3/4" (171 mm) 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16 3/8 9/16 5/8 13/16

7-7/8" (200 mm) - 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2 5/8 6/8

8-1/2" (216 mm) - 3/16 3/16 1/4 5/16 7/16 9/16 6/8

9" (229 mm) - 3/16 3/16 1/4 5/16 7/16 9/16 6/8

9-7/8" (251 mm) - - - 3/16 1/4 7/16 1/2 11/16

10-5/8" (270 mm) - - - 3/16 1/4 3/8 1/2 5/8

12-1/4" (311 mm) - - - - 3/16 3/8 7/16 5/8

13-3/4" (349 mm) - - - - 3/16 5/16 7/16 5/8

15" (381 mm) - - - - 3/16 5/16 7/16 9/16

16" (406 mm) - - - - - 5/16 3/8 9/16

iCFM = Inlet cubic feet per minute 15

 9866 0342 01b. Subjected to alterations without prior notice. © Epiroc Drilling Tools AB. All rights reserved.  2020.06.

United in performance.
Inspired by innovation.
Performance unites us, innovation inspires us, and
commitment drives us to keep moving forward.
Count on Epiroc to deliver the solutions you need to succeed
today and the technology to lead tomorrow.
epiroc.com

Epiroc Drilling Tools AB

Box 521, SE-737 25 Fagersta, Sweden
Phone: +46 (0)223 461 00